Yay I'm anaemic!
Well, strictly speaking, I’m not – my haemoglobin levels are fine, but my long-term iron store – my ferritin levels – are low. I finally had a Coeliac clinic appointment today – they seem to be reorganising the way Coeliacs are followed up as for the first time I saw a dietician rather than a registrar. I know anaemia doesn’t sound like the best of news, but I’ve been dealing with the symptoms for a couple of years now (getting run down way more than most other people I know, feeling the cold a lot more than I used to, being completely wiped out by periods), so it’s a relief to discover that I’m not simply pathetic, but there is a simple physical reason for it. I suspect I’ve not really had a decent iron store since having Ruth – so now I have instructions to eat more meat 
And of course more vitamin C containing foods to encourage absorption. Sounds like steak and chips on the menu for me 
Oh – and the UK Swap question for this week (I do these so late – sorry).
Have you done a swap before (doesn’t have to be a knitting swap)? What do you like best about swapping? Are there any personal “requirements” that a swap has to have before you will join?
I’ve done a couple of swaps – SP7 (I think it was 7, it may have been 6), International Scarf Exchange 2 and Sockapal000za – oh, and Sock Wars, which is a kind of swap really. They were all fun in different ways. I think I probably enjoyed the ones where I made stuff most. I get the biggest buzz out of planning the parcel for my swappee – in a way getting stuff is a bonus – I enjoy thinking of perhaps slightly different sorts of gifts that the recipient might not otherwise get. As for requirements – the only one is that I don’t do too many. It is fun taking part in a swap, but a little voice nags away in my head saying “Why don’t you just spend £20 on yourself and get something you know you want?” – Because that way I don’t get to know anyone else – that’s why not!
six comments:
It’s always good to find out that the “thing” that has been bothering you has a clinical name….makes you feel validated, non?Donyale Grant () (link) - 27 February '08 - 00:44
Good to find out what’s up at least! Yeah, my iron stores are still down from several years of stupid fibroids. Remember, the only meat with much iron is beef.Chris () (link) - 27 February '08 - 01:53
Wow you’ve done quite the number of swaps. I have that little voice too… and I have the exact same reason for ignoring it! Great minds think alike.Monica () (link) - 27 February '08 - 20:00
YAY! Well. At least you know now! I hate that anaemic feeling, like you’re halfway up a hill with a long steep climb still to go… Have you tried Spatone? (www.spatone.com). I get mine from Waitrose. Nic told me about it last year and it’s been fantastic – I’m much more lively and bouncy now – would never have sustained this lifestyle a year ago…Daisy () (link) - 27 February '08 - 21:44
Dark chocolate has iron in too… But I bet you knew that already!
Daisy () (link) - 27 February '08 - 21:45
dried apricots are good, as is orange juice drunk with a meal to help absorption of iron.hope you’ll get your bounce back soon!
rosie () (link) - 27 February '08 - 23:28
