i'm wondering why it can take so long (like, a year to a year and a half, according to my hematologist) for myelodysplastic syndrome to actually present itself - cause right now, he thinks i may have it (he's not at all sure yet), but, my iron/hemoglobin levels have been below normal for over a year, i have an appt w/him for this january, he doesn't think my anemia symptoms are the result of frequent blood donations (which i have been doing, the last one being july '17, since real soon after that i've shown anemia symtoms, and, iron and hemoglobin levels still not at normal..i feel i've been improving slowly - like, REAL slowly - have been able to work an active job (waiter) and to run (not that much, not every day), occasional spells are gone (had a few from july '17 thru that fall - light-headed, couple of steps away from fainting), still feel the symptoms of anemia, though generally mild. oh - i've seen this hematologist this past dec, and just a week ago - he was a referral from my primary as part of my care plan from my anemia