by Mark Stafford

Created on: January 16, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Recently I wrote a story about pernicious anemia. I had
never written anything for the web or Helium before, so I feel
that I left a lot out. If you haven't yet read my story
"Pernicious Anemia," then I'll bring you up to speed.

I was 24 years old and quite healthy (or so I thought),
when within three days; I went from lifting 100 pound CO2
cylinders (easily), to not being able to walk even a short

distance of say, 10 feet. I don't smoke, I've always taken
vitamins I've also eaten somewhat of a balanced diet. So I
thought. "What's wrong?"

At some point I know that a lot of people have felt weak
or fatigued if for instance, they work in hot weather and
don't eat. Or maybe you might need that occasional candy
bar for a "pick me up." So I tested that theory.

I stopped for an extra long lunch break and ordered about
$25 dollars worth of food at a nearby Subway. That of
course is a LOT of food. I probably shouldn't have eaten
quite that much in the 90 degree heat, but I have always had
a large appetite, and I never gain an ounce.

Amazingly, the food seemed to do me good for a few
hours. Then once again, I wasn't even able to walk to the
back of my truck without running out of breath and my heart
pounding as if I had just ran the two mile!

Now I know I probably should have gone to a doctor at
that point, but like a lot of people in America, I don't have
the money to spend on finding out it may be something
simple. I am also one who refuses to go to a doctor unless
it's absolutely necessary.

The next two days were progressively worse, and the
third day was when I passed out in the shower, crawling out
after I came to. I couldn't even stand. So I had my room
mate carry to the car, and then to the doctor.

I was admitted immediately, because when the
receptionist saw my face she literally yelled down the hall
to the doctor. Apparently I was ghost white.

The doctor told me after checking my blood that I had a
hemoglobin count of 4, and was about 31/2 pints low on
blood. Also my red blood cells were megoblasted- or larger
than normal as this is generally what happens when they are
"in trouble."

I asked if the part about being low on blood could be from
bleeding- such as an ulcer, and I was told possible, but not
probable. So to the hospital I went.

I learned quite a bit in the 5 days in the hospital. They of
course first gave me 31/2 pints of blood, and checked for an
ulcer. That involved an "n.g." tube. It's like having a garden
hose put up your nose, down your throat, and into the
stomach. Then you wait 30 minutes!

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