Question: I have severe anemia. hemoglobin 8.5 at last check a few weeks ago. I have recently started iron supps. I have been taking them a little over a week, but unfortunately feeling somewhat worse. I seemed to feel slightly worse right away with supplements in terms of sleep difficulties and shortness of breath. For the last few days I have had a mild cold and stuffy nose. Since the cold started, I have been having some pain in my lungs/chest, and a lot of shortness of breath with any exertion and even at rest (breathing rapidly, feeling I can't get enough air, no actual wheezing or obstruction). I don't want to go to ER unless absolutely necessary. I have frequent appointments with my doctor, but the next one isn't for a couple of weeks. Should I just keep taking supps and stick with it? Last night was better than the night before, but I am still feeling shortness of breath at rest today. Shortness of breath at rest is new. I have been feeling shortness of breath with exertion for months. BTW, I have had my heart checked out, chest xray, echocardiogram, etc. They all say my heart and everything else is fine, the main problem is anemia. However, I also have PCOS and occasional GI difficulties. Was fairly healthy until last year when I collapsed from heat stroke, and anemia/ symptoms began to worsen. I have had more mild anemia throughout my adult life.