Iron matters for CKD patients because it is necessary for the
production of healthy red blood cells. Unfortunately, IDA often
goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and is, therefore, left
untreated, which leaves patients living with the chronic
symptoms of anemia. Extreme fatigue is just one of the major
consequences of IDA. CKD patients with IDA may also suffer from
dizziness, headaches, coldness in hands and feet, shortness of
breath and frequent infections, among other symptoms. “Because I
have chronic kidney disease, I need to have my iron levels
checked regularly. When I was first diagnosed with IDA, my
biggest symptoms were extreme fatigue and sluggishness,” said
James Cann, a CKD patient from Baltimore, Md. who was diagnosed
with IDA three years ago. “People who are diagnosed with IDA
should talk to their doctors about the many treatment options
available. No one should have to suffer the terrible effects of
IDA.” The good news about iron deficiency anemia is that, once
it is diagnosed, it can be treated. T