[guitpic]

Hello All,

I'm a 64 year old caucasian male, diagnosed with MDS about 4 years ago. I have had anemia since 1999 but it wasn't until 2008 that a local Oncologist figured out what I had.

My disease has been described as moderate by the oncologist I see. My hgbn has dropped as low as 8.8 but has remained above 11.5 for a while.

I have diagnosed issues with number, size, shape and function in almost all blood type cells...part of MDS I guess. The oncologist I see also thinks I might possibly have mild Gilbert's syndrome as well.

My symptoms have included, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpatations and frequent skin/nail bed infections. I seem to react to pain meds of any kind and can't drink caffinated coffee or will get sick(chest pressure; nausea).

In my past career, I have worked with heavy duty solvents and other chemicals. I've also had some radiation scans for intenstinal issues and have received heavy doses of intravenous antibiotics in my past.

I have been reading this forum for some time but this is the first time I have posted.

My hope is that by reading what others are going through, that I will learn more about this disease and mostly, how to cope with it.

It's been good to read what some of you have posted and I'm grateful for this forum.