Comment

Comment by Austyn Hart-Tinsley on February 15, 2013 at 5:23pm

I get cravins for both chalk and dirt even clay

Comment by Ade Dotun on February 11, 2013 at 11:59pm

check out the same forum here: http://sikcell.com/forum/topics/weird-cravings?commentId=2131823%3A...

Comment by Karen Lewis on February 11, 2013 at 5:22pm

Ice and other cravings are normally associated with iron deficiency.  I have been diagnosed with iron overload due to frequent SS blood transfusions. Iron overload can lead to organ failure so my doctor constantly monitors my iron levels.  Even though my iron may be low I cannot take any sort of iron tablets, etc.  

Comment by Renaud Valerie on February 11, 2013 at 5:04pm

I crave and eat ice ALL the time (I just love it) probably like 6 cups a day. Is this something I should talk to my doctor about? I never thought it was a problem or even considered it to be related to SS and low iron level.

Comment by Karen Lewis on February 11, 2013 at 5:00pm

I have a friend with a non-SCD blood disorder who craves ice and corn starch and and upon going to the doctor found that her iron level was way below normal. 

Comment by Renaud Valerie on February 11, 2013 at 4:56pm

Thanks for your response. I never knew that these cravings mean your count can be low. I have Sickle cell anemia SS. I will look into it more and see if the two really goes hand in hand.

Comment by Karen Lewis on February 11, 2013 at 4:52pm

When I have the cravings I am more tired and achy than usual.  Upon going to the doctor tests show that my blood count is lower than normal.  I suffer with Sickle Beta Thalassemia.  I pay very close attention and watch closely for sickle symptoms.  I can pretty much tell what triggers my pain (stress, working too hard, changes in temperature).  Living in North Florida we have frequent changes in weather during the winter months- it's freezing in the morning and 75-80 degrees by noon -- and for my sibling and other friends with SCD this seems to trigger more pain .

Comment by Renaud Valerie on February 11, 2013 at 4:36pm

How do you know that your blood level has dropped. How does the two coincide?

Comment by Karen Lewis on February 11, 2013 at 4:22pm

Yes; I often crave corn starch and usually when I have these cravings I can assure you that my iron level/blood count has dropped.