OK, Cloudbringer knows some of this, but not what has just happened.

I've been feeling very low and depressed over the past few weeks...haven't felt much like forum participation or anything like that. Little things seemed to be affecting me adversely, and I'd find myself bursting into tears for no reason at all, having no energy, blah blah blah, which I was beginning to think that I was suffering from clinical depression.

Well, this weekend I got sick. I mean, major stomach-hurling sick. So I went to the doctor this morning. Well, I have a little bit of a stomach flu, but that's not what floored me. When they did my bloodwork, they found that my blood levels are haywire! My red blood cell count is low, my phosphorus is low, and my electrolytes were all out of whack. The doctor gave me a prescription for something to help the anemia (low red blood cells) and a diet rich in phosphorus and potassium (lots of bananas, potatoes, and some lean red meat...apparently I was very low in proteins as well.)

I still feel pretty bad yet, but just knowing that I'm not nuts (much, at least!) and that it's a physiological problem that has a SOLUTION is majorly important to me. That's made me feel a lot better and get a clearer perspective on my life. My doctor said that he wants to see me back on Friday and do another blood work to see if the levels have changed. If not, I may have to go to the hospital for a blood transfusion. Those of you who know me from way back know that I had blood problems like this three years ago and nearly died from it. So this is no laughing matter. But just knowing what the problem is helps a lot...at least now I can do something about it.

Anyway, say a prayer, light a candle, or whatever you do to send good thoughts my way. I really need them at this time. And I promise I won't duck out on you again...if I'm having problems, I'll share them here.

Love and peace,
-Sazerac

Hey, Saz, I am glad to see you posted!

I understand about blood disorders... insidious. Get your thyroid checked while they are testing everything else...ya never know. That may also help your energy level.

I hope everything works out okay - and keep us posted!!

Hope you are feeling better real quick-like!

Jo

You will be in my prayers Saz. I´m glad you´re back and hopefully you will start to feel better soon. Please let us know the developments. I tend to get kind of fussy when I don´t know what happens. I do hope the treatment will give you the help you need. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Well, glad you are up to sharing with us, Saz. I didn't notice, but now that you mention it, I DO see that you weren't around. It is always good to find a reason to such things. My mom has to have an operation, and found she was anemic when they tested her, and so postponed the operation. She has since finished an Iron infusion diet/plan and now feels great. She didn't notice it until she had recovered, and what a difference. Energy, enthusiasm and vitality have returned. Now she can have the op and move on. I would bet that the winter weather (less sun, more cold) that affects us all to some degree had it's effects magnified for you. Here's to a speedy recovery to the old, or better-than-new Saz!

*prayers said, candle lit*

Paris sweetie, I am SO sorry to hear that!! :(
I am glad that at least the doctor knows what the problem is, so that you can be helped, but I'm really sorry this happened to you at all.
I hope and pray that your health problems can be solved quickly and that a blood transfusion won't be necessary, but whatever happens, we'll be here for you!! *HUGS* Get well soon and take care of yourself my friend.

First, and most important by far, GET WELL SOON SAZ!

Second, don't feel that you have to post your reasons here Saz. Everyone who I have met here is kind and caring, and I'm sure we'd all understand if you did not wish to reveal anything personal.

GET WELL SAZ! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[ 01-13-2003, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: Horatio ]

<font color="plum"><font color="yellow">Sazerac</font> - My thoughts and my prayers are with you, my friend. I hope all goes well and that you will be back in good health quickly.</font>

All my best wishes mate. Now you have found the problem, I hope the solution is within sight.

Thank you all for your kind words of support. It really does mean a lot. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Well, the situation isn't good, but it's a lot better than it could have been had I let it run unchecked. I would have probably had to go back to the hospital and possibly be put in ICU. I don't know if I could survive a second bout with TTP, although I don't think this is the TTP again...at least, not yet.

I should have known something was wrong when I didn't even feel like checking the forums or playing any games. When all I can do is go to work then come home and collapse, something is dreadfully wrong.

Anyway, I did just take an iron supplement (one of the prescriptions) with my lunch and I think I should get to feeling better soon. Once again, thank you all and bless you!

Hugs,
Paris (Sazerac)

Hey Saz, Good luck and God speed.

Sorry Saz to hear that, hope you get better.

Paris! HUG HUG HUG! thank God you posted this! I've been worried sick- well you know that! [img]smile.gif[/img] And I'm really glad you saw a doctor and found out what the heck has been making you so miserable!

It sounds like you have alot to take care of, but it's a major step in the right direction, now that you know WHAT you're battling! Many warm thoughts and prayers, my friend! Let me know if there's anything I can do, even if it's just wailing on Frost giants! :D And please take GOOD care of yourself!!!

I had no idea it was TTP. There is some interesting research being done on this disease though. You can try to take some aspirin now and then since this will decrease the clotting of thrombocytes. ;) Unfortunately plasmapheresis is still standard treatment. :(

I certainly hope I don't have to do plasmapheresis again, WillowIX! That's why I was in ICU back in May 2000. :( I don't think it's near that problem, especially since my platelet levels are normal...just my RBC's are down. It could have gotten back to that had I let this go on unchecked. Hopefully with the diet and the medication, I should be getting back to normal soon. Thanks for your kind wishes, and the doctor also mentioned taking a children's aspirin as well, which I'm going to do this evening.

One thing I was glad of, is my LDL cholesterol was way down, which, with being an overweight person, is a concern. So were my triglycerides, so no problems there!

Cloudy: Thanks, dear, and showers of blessings to you! I know you've been worried about me, and I really appreciate your concern. We'll just have to see if this is what it is...if so, it explains much. I'll check on MSN tonight and see if you're on and we can talk further.

Hugs,
Saz

P.S. You know what sounded really crazy as well? My doctor advocated eating nuts, especially almonds! Can you get over that? Nuts, like you find at a party! Well, I love almonds, so now I have an excuse to go buy me a can and scarf them. Doctor's orders!

"S"

[ 01-13-2003, 01:44 PM: Message edited by: Sazerac ]

I'll look for you. [img]smile.gif[/img] I think it can explain a lot, Sazzie! Blood chemistry can make a mess of your system and it CAN impact your moods quite severely. I would be very surprised if this DIDN'T have much to do with it! I have to run- am at work, but I'll try and check in later- or at least when I get home! :D

Saz, hope you start to feel better soon.

I suffered from serious anaemia a couple of years back, I was an emotional wreck, thought it might be clinical depression as you mentioned yourself. It's weird the effect it can have on you, anaemia makes everything look bleak, especially when you wake up after 12 hours asleep and still feel exhausted, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I know that for me, finding out what was wrong was a big step forwards.

One thing I discovered is the iron can take a couple of months to be metabolised, thought I'd mention that in case you were worried if you didn't feel any immediate benefits.

Big hugs mate [img]smile.gif[/img]

Sazerac, I'm glad to see you're doing better, and would like to add to the voices that have said you've been missed around here.

I hope your recovery is swift and without complications.

I really sorry to hear that Saz, but I'm glad you've caught this problem early. I'll certainly be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="#ffccff">Really glad to hear you are doing better and apparently through the worst of it...any idea what the root cause for the condition was? Got to keep that diet going, meat is good for ya no matter what the vegheads say ;) and I hear that if you suck on a nail you will raise your Iron content! (just kidding about the nails...old joke I used on my exwife at certain times)</font>

Saz, I am hoping and praying your health returns asap!

Saz, I had noticed that you hadn't been about, lately, and I had wondered why. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, no fear. Anemia definitely makes you feel weak and depressed.

I do hope you get well soon. I can sympethise with you on matters of medical problems. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year, and have gone through alot so far with it. Keep your chin up, and keep looking ahead.

I wish you all the best Saz, get well soon.

Sounds excellent Saz! I´m glad to hear that. [img]smile.gif[/img] And [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] on lowering your LDL. I do hope you have a speedy recovery. Try to rest some more too, it never hurts. I can guarantee you have well wishes from all of us in here and of course all of the W&W forum members too. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 01-13-2003, 03:26 PM: Message edited by: WillowIX ]

That is awful, LordK, I'm sorry to hear that. You have my sympathy and best wishes. Hang in there!!

Best wishes for a speed recovery, Sazerac.

Let us know when you're feeling better and we'll see what we can do about rounding up some trolls. Cracking a few skulls is bound to make you feel better. :D

Take care of yourself Saz! I'm so glad that the doctor was able to find out what the problem was quickly, and most likely (I am praying) the medicine and vitamins will take care of the problem. You will be in my thoughts and prayers Paris, take care friend [img]smile.gif[/img] *HUGS*

Hope you get well soon Sazerac! ;)

Dan

That is awful, LordK, I'm sorry to hear that. You have my sympathy and best wishes. Hang in there!!</font>[/QUOTE]Thank you Melusine. I dont want to hijack this thread from Saz. Just can sympethise with the fear of not knowing. Thank you for your words though, they mean a lot. [img]smile.gif[/img]

I know you didn't want to hijack, and neither do I. But I know Saz won't have minded my post and I really wanted to let you know I feel for you.
All the best to you both then!

So sorry to hear this Saz! I actually realised the other day you'd been missing in action for a bit and wondered if everything was okay. Take care of yourself and best wishes [img]smile.gif[/img]

I know you didn't want to hijack, and neither do I. But I know Saz won't have minded my post and I really wanted to let you know I feel for you.
All the best to you both then!</font>[/QUOTE]I certainly do not mind at all, and let me join Melusine in extending my sincere wishes for your health to improve, LordK. I will keep you in my thoughts as well. Bless you for your kind words.

Thanks,
Paris (Sazerac)

Here's hoping for better times in health, Saz. Good luck with it all; we're all cheering for you here.

You will be in my prayers and thought Saz as I'm sure if something happened to me I would be in yours.You've always been a good person and i would hate to see you stop posting on the board. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oh Saz. Be safe my friend. My prayers are with you. Here's to a speedy recovery. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Hey Saz, I'm glad that you've found out what's been ailing you. Now I hope that you'll be able to recover and feel better! [img]smile.gif[/img] I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

It's great to hear from you. Please keep us updated when you feel up to it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Hope you get better soon Saz! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]

Awww Saz, I don't know what smiley suits this post : http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...cons/icon9.gif that you are not well or http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...ons/icon10.gif that your sickness has an identified cause and can be cured ?

My heart goes to you for your recovery, my friend.

I know you didn't want to hijack, and neither do I. But I know Saz won't have minded my post and I really wanted to let you know I feel for you.
All the best to you both then!</font>[/QUOTE]I certainly do not mind at all, and let me join Melusine in extending my sincere wishes for your health to improve, LordK. I will keep you in my thoughts as well. Bless you for your kind words.

Thanks,
Paris (Sazerac)</font>[/QUOTE]Likewise my friend.

Look after yourself, mate and get well soon, ok? [img]smile.gif[/img]