
Is Your Tiredness More Than Just Aging? The Shocking Truth About Anemia!
2025-07-17
Author: Li
Gary Sergott was perpetually fatigued, battling breathlessness and a sense of malaise. Cold even in warm weather, he appeared pale, marked by dark circles under his eyes.
As a retired nurse anesthetist, Sergott knew the culprit: anemia—an alarming deficiency of red blood cells. For him, this condition stemmed from a hereditary issue leading to persistent nosebleeds and reduced hemoglobin levels, the protein supplying oxygen throughout the body.
Despite his knowledge, Sergott faced a frustrating ordeal. Many doctors dismissed his concerns, simply prescribing iron tablets—the typical go-to for anemia.
Yet, like countless seniors, he struggled with the side effects of iron supplements, experiencing nausea and debilitating digestive issues. After nearly 15 years of searching, he discovered a breakthrough solution.
Under the care of hematologist Michael Auerbach, Sergott transitioned to intravenous iron infusions rather than daily tablets. Now, at 78, he enjoys revitalizing hour-long sessions three times a year that leave him feeling rejuvenated—"like filling up the gas tank," he describes.
Sadly, Sergott's experience highlights a broader neglect of anemia, a widespread condition that not only plagues older adults’ quality of life but can escalate into severe health risks such as falls and hospital admissions.
Symptoms of anemia—endless fatigue, headaches, coldness, brain fog—are often brushed off as just another facet of aging. "People think, ‘I feel weak, but everyone my age feels weak,’” explains hematologist William Ershler.
Shockingly, anemia affects 12.5% of those over 60, but this could be a significant underestimation. A recent study revealed that nearly 20% of patients over 65 were anemic with hemoglobin levels below standard, yet only a third had this documented in their medical records.
Anemia deserves urgent attention, as it can stem from various causes—nutritional deficiencies, internal bleeding, or even complications from surgery. Mary Dagold, an 83-year-old retired librarian, shares her struggle with anemia that persisted post-surgery, leaving her unable to read or engage in activities she loved.
While iron tablets are cheap and easily accessible, intravenous treatments could range dramatically in cost—$350 to $2,400 per session, though Medicare may cover these if taken orally isn’t effective. Dagold’s story illustrates the remarkable difference a 25-minute infusion every five weeks can make, empowering her to return to her weekly water aerobics.
More alarmingly, chronic conditions like heart disease or kidney failure can contribute to anemia, complicating treatment as patients often cannot process iron effectively.
Data indicates that unexplained iron loss may even signal more severe issues, such as colon or stomach cancer. As we seek to understand the mysteries surrounding anemia, early detection and intervention could prevent prolonged suffering.
The medical community is beginning to take notice. Recent workshops and new guidelines are emerging to improve diagnosis and treatment for this often overlooked condition.
Patients now have the opportunity to be proactive about their health. By reviewing Complete Blood Count (CBC) results, they can check hemoglobin levels—13 grams/deciliter for men, 12 for non-pregnant women. If results appear concerning or have changed, it's essential to engage doctors in meaningful discussions about fatigue that may not just be linked to aging.
Don’t dismiss your symptoms as mere aging; they could point to treatable anemia. Stay informed and take action!