Can Beta-Thalassemia Minor have symptoms?

[Bee Cham]

I am 22 years old and have been diagnosed with Beta Thallassemia minor by a doctor. All my life I have felt tired, had palpitations (When I was younger), flatulence and difficulty concentrating and fuzziness. I cannot really look people directly in the eye sometimes because its too hard on my eyes (it strains them) even though I have perfect vision. Doctors have told me that I need no treatment and that Thallassemia has no symtpoms. I go to sleep tired and I wake up tired. I can be tired after 12 hours sleep! Can I be suffering symptoms from my thallassemia. Does any one else feel the same way that I do? This is a little bit hard for me, but I don't want to complain.

[Zarchy]

i m 20 & hve recently diagnosed wit beta thal minor
i m always tired n often get joint pain
i m attending med school n when it comes to round the ward n learn...i jus cant concentrate ..mayb becuz i get tired for standing HOURS..so i had to call a guide for my studies....i also cant hve fun on weekends cuz i m tired..its always about tiredness ..i m so sick of my life for not hving the fun of young life.
i m also afraid that i cant b a good doctor one day becuz i m always tired
what am i supposed to do with my life???

[Rhachis]

Has anyone here experienced aquatic pruritus in connection with their BTM? For me the itching started when I turned 38. It is driving me nuts. I have to take loratadine to stop the itch every time I shower and sometimes if it is humid. I have not had my spleen tested. Also I have found that if my spouse spoons me at night and his hand rests near my spleen or liver, I wake in a panic because it feels like I am being crushed. Anyone else have similar symptoms?

[Lanier0258]

I'm 54, and though my family on my Mother's side have been diagnosed with Thallesimia Minor.. I havent been officially test.  I too experience all the symptoms mentioned.. which tells me its not just my imagination.  Various members of the family take B12.. some as little as once every 6 weeks, once a month, and even once a week.

I've mentioned to my regular doctor about Thallesimia running in the family.. but she says that it doesnt show up on the CBC.  *sigh*  Do I need a referral to see a Hemoglobin Doctor?

[Temari_Kage]

Or, more specifically: What is the daily amount of iron for people with TM?

[Temari_Kage]

hi! The Iron confuses me somewhat. I've been a vegetarian since my 13th (so that's 13 years) and iron from plants is harder to absorb for your body than the iron found in meat, So I've always made sure that I eat plenty of iron rich food. Despite that, a few years ago (before I got diagnosed with TM) my iron was so low my hair was falling out and I could've gone into coma had it stayd that low for another week. I don't really care to go back to that. So I do still eet iron rich foods and I combine them with something high in vitamine C and I make sure I'm not at the same time eating something containing significant amounts of calcium. After I've calculated what I ate that day (or will eat), I might even have a low dosage supplement if I didn't get the recommended daily amount.
Do you think I should stop doing that?

[evey23]

I was diagnosed with Thalassemia Minor at birth. The chronic fatigue is a constant battle (attracts very little sympathy too!)

Over the years (I’m now 30) I have found that a daily intake of fresh wheatgrass and regular (2 x month) B12 injections provide great relief. This coupled with Folic Acid, Omega 3, Vit D and B12 vitamins. Must avoid alcohol and smoking... have plenty of sleep!

I was vegetarian for 12 years - which resulted in a complete energy meltdown. To a point that I was unable to operate effectively. I was forced to start taking my diet seriously.

As my iron levels are very low, I have avoided taking iron supplements - as this would lead to excess iron in my body. But I eat iron rich food (on the advice of doctors).

I was interested to see that the opposite has been described in these posts with many of you avoiding iron rich food? Or taking  Calcium to prevent iron absorption when eating? Please send your thoughts!