Hi Dave, I've had anemia since I was a teenager. It got a bit better for a few years but it was still low. I was sent to an oncologist who also works on blood disorders. He had my iron, iron binding, hemoglobin and ferron I think I spelt that wrong but its close. But when the results came back last summer I had to go for iron infusions once a week for 8 weeks. Depending on your insurance will depend on how much they give you at one time and the # of weeks. I had to go back and have my blood checked 3 and 6 months after the end of the infusion. He's giving me 4 months till the next check up. I will have to get infusions again. Its a wait and see game on how long they last. Anemia makes you tired all the time when it gets low enough. When its just below normal I never noticed a difference but I was always on the go chasing 3 little ones and working full time. I made time to go to the gym to work out. It doesn't effect my epilepsy.

I hope you feel okay.

I've had bouts of anemia starting as a teenager which is not that unusual. I've always loved red meat and spinach and we had those quite often plus always had a salad with dinner. I had to go for iron infusions last year and I just got my blood drawn for my follow up appt next Tuesday. To see my iron levels but they also check, hemoglobin, iron binding, and ferritin levels as well. It gives them the whole picture. I was told to eat iron rich foods but after having the infusion they don't want you to take iron supplements. It wants the infusion yo do it's job in your system.
As for your cholesterol test any time I've ever had it done the doctor asked if I had eaten yet that day and if so do it first thing the next morning before having anything. The lab person has always asked as well when was the last time you ate and noted it.
Ever since my stroke and they put me on a high dose of statins my cholesterol is 50. Though it's supposed to help keep me arteries and veins clean. It works with the blood thinner to keep me from future problems. My cardiologist had switched my bloodthinner to his favorite and I started having stroke symptoms every few months. That med doesn't go with epilepsy it does strange things in the brain. So I'm back on my original one and no more problems!

Red meat does seem to do best and chicken skin. As well as fresh dark greens. My daughter has an indoor garden of dark leafy greens. We eat them, usually with breakfast and dinner; generally dry, to cut out sugar in dressings.

Type 2 diabetes ( runs in both sides of the family) Im on oral medication for it not insulin. I also have degenerative disc disease in my lower back. ( a fancier name for arthritis)