MDS is a condition that affects the bone marrow, which is responsible for making blood cells. With MDS, the bone marrow doesn't make enough healthy blood cells. This can
lead to a variety of symptoms:
1. Feeling tired or weak: This happens because the body isn't making enough red blood cells, a condition called anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. If you're not getting enough oxygen, one might feel fatigued.
2. Shortness of breath: This is another symptom that can result from not having enough red blood cells. The body needs oxygen to work properly, and if it's not getting enough, one might find yourself getting winded easily.
3. Pale skin: This is yet another sign of anemia. Without enough red blood cells, the skin may look paler than usual.
MDS is a condition that affects the bone marrow, which is responsible for making blood cells. With MDS, the bone marrow doesn't make enough healthy blood cells. This can lead to a variety of symptoms.
4. Frequent infections: In MDS, the bone marrow often may not be making enough good quality white blood cells, which help the body fight off infections. So, one may find that you're getting sick more often than one used to.
5. Easy bruising or bleeding: This could be a sign that the body isn't producing enough platelets, the blood cells that help with clotting. Patients might notice that they bruise easily, or that they bleed a lot from minor cuts or scrapes. Patients might also have nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
6. Fever: A persistent or recurrent fever can be a sign of MDS, often related to infection due to low white blood cell count.
7. Reduced appetite and weight loss: Some people with MDS might not feel as hungry as they usually do, which can lead to weight loss.
Just because a patient has some of these symptoms doesn't mean they have MDS. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other, less serious conditions. But if patients are experiencing any of these symptoms and they're worrying them it's a good idea to talk to their doctor. They can help figure out what's causing your symptoms and what to do about them.