Hemogram

Just a few days ago, I received a follow up hemogram for iron and ferritin check.  My hemoglobin increased to 14.9; my iron is 70 when before, it was 55.  As far as my ferritin is concern, it increased only by three points, making it 34 from 31.  Although, I may no longer be anemic, my ferritin needs to be higher.  Right now, I am focusing on building my ferritin to at least 100 by the end of next year of 2016.  The reason why I need my ferritin at this level, is for normal thyroid functioning.  Next February 12, 2016, I'm due back for another hemogram.

My Iron Enriched Meal

My iron enriched meal consists of salmon, asparagus, baby spinach, haricot, red peppers and almonds.  My beverage with my meal, is a glass of orange juice.

Test Results

A day after my hemogram, the test results were a bit disappointing, my iron dropped from 138 to 55, yet my ferritin increased from 29 to 31.  My hemoglobin is now 13 when it was previously 12; my next doctor's visit is in December, hopefully, my iron will go back up.  My goal,  is to bring my ferritin to 100 and my iron at 150.

The end

To Maintain My Iron Level

My iron level was 138, while my ferritin was 29, which I consider to be low for me.  I purchased Floradix Iron & Herbs, a liquid form of iron; hopefully, this will help increase my ferritin level.  I am due back for another hemogram tomorrow.  I'm hoping for better results:

Hair Regimen

During my post relaxer, I would use Keracare's Hydrating Detangling Shampoo.  After shampooing my hair, I would apply the Mizani's Fulfyl conditioner; containing both protein and moisture for balance.  During my relaxer stretch, I would use Keracare's Natural Textures leave-in conditioner, after shampoo and conditioning.

Post Relaxer Touchup

Following my relaxer Touchup in addition to neutralizing, I applied the Mizani's Kerafuse strengthener to my hair.  I then, placed a plastic cap over my head and sat under the dryer for ten minutes under high settings.  I then rinsed out the conditioner and applied the Joico's Moisture recovery with plastic cap and sat back under the dryer for ten minutes.  Later, after rinsing, I would apply my Keracare leave-in products such as Keracare's Essential Oils, Detangling Conditioning Mist, Keracare's Leave-in Conditioner and Keracare's Silken Seal.  And let my hair air dry for hours on end.  

Before bed, I would apply the Keracare's oil moisturizer to my ends and wrap my hair without using any pins, tie my hair in a silk scarf.

Makeup & Hair Care

A Collection Of Makeup & Skincare I Use:

My Hair Care Regimen:

 

Iron Deficiency Update

I'm posting an update on my iron deficiency anemia treatment;  back in May 14, a couple of weeks back, I underwent another automated hemogram and later received good news on my progress.

Based on my test results, my hemoglobin level had increased along with my ferritin.  My hemoglobin back in March 26th, was 11.5 and it is now 12.2, as for my ferritin; it went from 23 to 29. Although my ferritin is now within normal range of 29, it needs to be at least 100 for overall health  and healthy hair growth.

So far, I've been making good progress and still taking iron supplements; I was taking 975 mgs of ferrous sulfate with 3,000 mgs of vitamin c tablets, but was advised by my hematologist to lower my dosage to 650 mgs per day on iron which I now do.  Two iron pills per day instead of three a day and continuing to eat iron enriched foods.  I'm due back to my hematologist in August for more follow ups.  More updates will follow.

Hair Shedding Before And After

Sunday, May 3, 2015- lot of shedding

Saturday, May 9, 2015- less shedding

Iron Deficiency Anemia

     It's been a while since I've posted a blog about my healthy hair journey, well I am now posting an update as to what has been happening since my absence.

     Beginning awhile back somewhere in August of 2014, during my healthy hair journey, I've experienced some setbacks.  I've been experiencing a lot of hair shedding and loss of length, and could not figure out why; while my hair was shedding abnormally, I also was experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeats, I was often tired and had some difficulty focusing.  I decided to go online one day to look up any symptoms that I was experiencing, and came across an illness that matched the symptoms that I had, Iron Deficiency Anemia.  

     Iron Deficiency Anemia is a decreased amount of red blood cells due to lack of iron; which leads to fatigue, weakness, tiredness, hair loss, and heart palpitations.  I decided to purchase some iron pills and later, went to see a Hematologist. At the doctor's office, I underwent a automated hemogram, a complete blood count to be tested for low iron, hemoglobin, and ferritin.  Later, the results confirmed my diagnosis, my hemoglobin was low as well as my ferritin.  I am due back to the hematogist office within a week from now for a follow up. In the meanwhile, I am still taking iron pills three times a day with orange juice, and eating plenty of iron enriched foods; I started exercising again after getting my energy and strength back.  As far as my hair is concerned, I've noticed an improvement, my hair has since stopped shedding abnormally, instead of losing a handful of hair, I now lose only a few strands after shampoo and conditioning.  

     To have my hair receive full nutrients, I use GNC's Women's Ultra NourishHair (2 tablets) daily, and as a scalp stimulator, I take one tablet a day of GNC's Niacin (500mg); it is excellent for your cardiovascular system and is known to raise your good cholesterol level.  I've been using niacin off and on, but now I am using it daily and must say it does some wonders for me; not everyone can use this supplement however; the flushing is pretty strong, you get a feeling from warmth to a feeling of tiny needles over your body, but, it is a good thing.  Well that is all I have to blog about for today, I'll make a post on future updates.