I had my two children close together, and both were born via C-section. After having my last child a year ago, my doctor diagnosed me with iron deficiency (ferritin: 17), and I took supplements for three months as she recommended. I had blood tests done recently, and my ferritin level had risen by only 6 units in a year. The doctor asked me if I was tired or if I was losing my hair. Of course I was. So she prescribed an iron infusion that I’ll receive in a month.
Since then, I’ve done some research and came across this thread. It’s been a revelation to me. I knew that iron deficiency could cause fatigue and make hair and nails brittle, but I didn’t realize it could affect my mental health so much.
I thought all of this was due to the fact that I have two young children and that the mental load of work, family, and housework was immense. Everything always feels like a huge mountain; I have no energy, no patience, no memory, and no ability to concentrate. I feel like a shadow of my former self. Even if I sleep for 12 straight hours, I’m still so tired. I’m constantly in a mental fog. When my kids cry over nothing, I just sigh; I feel like a bad mother. I didn’t see any hope and thought I was doomed, that this is just what parenting is like.
After reading the testimonials here, I really hope the IV treatment makes a difference, and in the meantime, I’m going to start taking supplements again. I really hope to regain some energy and start feeling like myself again.