Hi ladies -

Long time lurker, 1st time poster here. Hope that you'll share some wisdom with me.

I've recently been diagnosed with anemia. My iron reserves are significantly low (6% iron saturation against a range of 20% - 55%). Thus, I feel miserable most of the time (headaches, unable to concentrate, mentally fuzzy, fatigued); and, of course, I'm off the bike until I begin to feel better. I suppose I could take an easy ride, but I experience some dizziness/light-headedness occasionally too, so I don't want to take any chances.

I'm doing the remedies commonly prescribed and seen throughout this message board: iron supplements (doubled-up, under Dr's orders), increased consumption of meat & iron-rich foods, Vitamin C with meals, no caffeine with meals....got to remember to break out the cast iron skillet......

My question is this: How long before I feel like myself again? I've heard 180 days to replenish red blood cells and I found another post on this site where it took a fellow rider 3 months to get back to feeling normal. Is that really how much time I have ahead? Anything one can do to speed this up?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom/guidance/experience y'all can share. I really appreciate it!