Additional medical concerns for those of us who cut to be aware of and monitor

When we self-injure by cutting we lose two essential   things and not just blood as I had assumed.

• Plasma.
• Red blood cells.

Depending upon the degree of blood loss of course. We are informed that our bodies are able to replace the missing plasma in about two days. That is if we drink enough fluid of course.

Surprisingly, it is believed to take about two months for the red cells to be replenished.

Dehydration

Dehydration can send us into shock 

• The most common symptom of dehydration is a feeling of dizziness. 
• This dizziness is usually experienced when we get up, move or simply change position.

Symptoms  

• You will probably have a very rapid pulse rate.
• If severe you will probably be extremely dizzy.
• Your eyes will probably look sunken.
• You probably won't be able to keep fluids down.
• Your skin will probably be clammy.
• You will probably feel weak.

Naturally if you do experience such symptoms and you suspect that you may have dehydration then please go to the doctor immediately.

they'll give you IV fluids and you'll be fine in a few hours. To avoid getting to that point, be sure to drink 8 glasses of water daily (more on days you've lost blood).

Whenever we feel dizzy after cutting ourselves, we need to quench our thirst. So, we should listen to our bodies and drink as much water (or juice etc) as we can.

Anemia

• Anemia happens when we lose too much iron by losing too many red cells.
• If you are anemic, you will be pale.
• If you are anemic, you will feel very weak.
• If you are anemic, you might feel irritable. 
• If you are anemic, you will be short of breath. 
• If you are anemic, you will just feel bad.

Again, whenever any of us experience these symptoms we should visit a doctor and have the anemia confirmed as a matter of priority.

It is likely that the doctor will give you iron supplements and vitamin C. Tell you that you'll be ok in a couple of months, and possibly try to refer you to some specialist or other.

If we seriously wish to avoid becoming anemic then we have two options.

• Stop cutting.
• Take a multivitamin with iron and vitamin C daily.

A final safeguard is to stop the blood flow from our wounds as quickly as we possibly can.

We must also try to remember that following each and every cutting experience we should get into the habit of monitoring ourselves for symptoms of shock.