Any Iron Deficient Folks Out There?

ajswriter

I have had iron-deficiency anemia every other year since I was twelve, and recently got the news that yet again, I have it. I'm taking vitamins + an iron supplement, but how do the rest of you stay motivated to exercise when you're SO tired? I would love to hear advice!

Rynatat

You have to get into an exercise routine: where you work out at the same time each day (not necessarily the same exercises though!), and you get excited to work out. I take an iron suppliment (I take mine at night before bed, it seems to work well for me) and then I wake up early to exercise before showering & getting ready for work. If we're going somewhere on weekends/no work days, I'll wake up about an hour earlier than usual to exercise then get ready. It really is hard sometimes (especially during TOM :ohwell: ) but I've seen the fruits of my labor (so to speak!) pay off.
Also, try adding Tai Chi or Yoga, which seems to work with balancing mind & body: when I'm in really bad shape, Tai Chi seems to really work well for me.
Nutrition is also key, ensure you're getting all the vits & mins & fiber which really does help! Get with a nutritionist if you're not sure about what you should/shouldn't eat & it may help balance you better. Just don't give up, you can do it :flowerforyou:

xonophone

Rynatat pretty much said everything I was gong to say! Not to sound like a Nike commercial but...just do it! It is hard to exercise sometimes when my fatigue gets so overwhelming, but I remind myself of how much better I will feel after I exercise, because I always do! On my first day of my TOM I frequently give myself the day off because just getting out of a chair gets me short of breath but in general you just have to do it anyway. There is always an excuse not to exercise, don't let this be yours!

jamie11k

That is great advice. I am battling the no-motivation-by-myself routine, and something hasn't clicked for me to make that routine stick. I am always tired, and I haven't been able to donate blood for almost a year. I am going into my kitchen right now to set my vitamins out, plan tomorrow's food, and then do some strength before bed. I get a gym buddy tomorrow so I know it'll be a great workout! Now if I can only get the rest of the week to go as well, maybe the habit will happen on its own! (sigh!)

ajswriter

Thanks, everyone! Life may give us excuses, but we just have to Nike on.

Rynatat

Any time any iron-challenged peeps need some iron-building support, I'm here for you! :flowerforyou: My Baby sister & I are both anemic and struggle at times: but we both lend each other some support to get through because we're not going to let this rule our lives (both also have gluten allergy, but not letting that govern how we live either!:noway: )
Just cuz my body doesn't know what iron is, doesn't mean I can't pump it, and build those muscles :happy:

xonophone

I'd just like to vent about much taking supplemental iron really sucks! And I know you know what I am talking about. :grumble:

Rynatat

Vent away xonophone! I skipped mine for 2 days to see if maybe I was OK again (I had my fingers crossed that it would just suddenly go away) & paid the price :grumble: :explode: