When the fatigue hit: Early signs before diagnosis

In June 2022, I was feeling more tired than usual. At first, I tried to brush off the tiredness—thinking it might be just the usual iron dip. But this time, the fatigue felt different, heavier, as if it was trying to tell me something more. It lingered, making simple tasks feel more draining than usual.

In the past, I have had times of low iron, so I know the signs well—constant exhaustion, trouble focusing, and even the occasional dizzy spell. But this time, it felt different, more persistent, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was something beyond my usual cycles. The usual iron studies blood test was requested by my GP, Dr Anita Sharma of Platinum Medical Centre, Chermside. Having seen Dr. Sharma for over 15 years, I trust her with my health like no one else. She knows my medical history inside out, which makes it easier to spot when something is off.

The results of the iron studies showed that I was below the acceptable range for Ferritin. I wasn’t too alarmed at first. I thought, 'Maybe it’s just another dip like before.' But in the back of my mind, there was a nagging feeling—what if this time, it’s something more?

As part of usual and precautionary measures, I have a colonoscopy every 3-5 years plus an upper endoscopy. These procedures had become familiar to me—like regular maintenance checks to ensure everything was running smoothly. I was nearly due for follow-ups on those. Dr. Sharma referred me to Dr Antonio Lee of the Colonoscopy Clinic in Brisbane.