You should get your metabolic panel redone a month or more into your new diet... UNLESS you are still feeling **crappy** from anemia.

If you cannot tolerate the iron supplements you can do an IV iron infusion. I do these and find them harmless - a little nauseous a few hours later.. But I feel totally different in the week following.

Of course there may be an underlying cause for the anemia, but low iron levels can be very dangerous and that needs to be corrected first. You are doing the right thing by changing your diet. But if you don't feel a marked improvement or if you feel worsening anemia symptoms, maybe try that route.

Maybe you are not absorbing, as well. You may have a celiacs or crohn's or something. I've periodically let the upkeep of my nutritionally-challenged health (autoimmune disease) lapse and really feel sick suddenly. Shortness of breath (esp climbing stairs), muscle fatigue, and heart fluttering/palpitations serve as the unfortunate reminder I have to jab myself with B12 or set up an iron infusion. Those 3 are good immediate warning signs for me. The reason I let things lapse is simple forgetfulness. It can be hard to focus on your own health sometimes.

I hope you start feeling better!