Posts by nimblemarlin66

I’m one of those people who is basically in a lifelong wrestling match with low iron levels. Since I hit early menopause, my periods have become incredibly short and light—sometimes they don't even show up at all, like last month... Currently, I’m sticking with Ferum because it actually plays nice with my system. Retafer just absolutely wreaks havoc on my stomach. When I asked my doctor why this keeps happening, they mentioned there’s definitely a genetic component at play here. A few years back, I had to deal with iron injections (which, let me tell you, are brutal) and I ended up needing blood transfusions after each of my births. For the record, I'm O positive. My first red flags for low iron are always the same: pounding headaches, constant sleepiness, and that deep, bone-weary exhaustion that just won't quit...
You really have to be mindful of what you eat and prioritize iron-rich foods. Blackberry wine is actually quite wonderful for this. Here is a little recipe I swear by:
Grate 1kg of fresh beets and squeeze out the juice
Juice from 2 whole lemons
5 tablespoons of honey
Mix it all together and take about 3 tablespoons a day.
Hopefully, this helps even just a little bit...👋

Zachary Kern6 said:That’s what they call the antistreptolysin titer—essentially just proof that your body has developed antibodies following some kind of untreated strep infection (usually a sore throat that might have even happened back when you were a kid)... joint pain can sometimes be triggered by an untreated case of strep (though that isn't a guarantee it's what's happening with you), but you should definitely go see a rheumatologist for a follow-up.

Thanks for the info!

For months now, I’ve been dealing with elevated Asta levels in my bloodwork. When I asked my doctor about it, they suggested there might be some kind of bacterial infection running through my system. I went back for another Asta test about a week ago—the result came back positive, though for some reason, they didn't bother to list the actual value. On top of all this, I’m also managing palmoplantar psoriasis, which has my palms and soles in pretty rough shape... Right now, the toes on my right foot are swollen up, so my doctor put me on a course of Klavocin, but even after five days of taking it, the swelling and pain haven't budged an inch.
I'm honestly starting to spiral here—could the Asta levels actually be linked to what's going on with my toes? I am incredibly worried. I've already gone through the whole gauntlet—seeing an orthopedist, a physical therapist, and a rheumatologist—but every single one of them told me my results were perfectly normal.
Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer!