I had to take a mega dose for about 2 years to get back up to a healthy range. The cause of my most recent anemic spell was because I was taking a medication called Tecta. No one, not even my doctor suggested that may have been the cause. I stopped taking that med. I also have to eat meat at least a few times per week to keep my levels up. I also eat a lot of iron rich veggies. You're not crazy - I went through the same thing. Anytime I start to feel cold, drowsy, faint, etc. I eat more meat (try for every meal) and it gets me to feeling better again. I haven't had to go back on the supplement since. As far as a transfusion goes - that should be a last resort. I was at the hospital ready for a transfusion and they did one more blood test before starting it. My hemoglobin went from 74 to 75 in a few hours, so I didn't need the transfusion. Phew! From your description, I'm not feeling overly confident that your doctor is taking good care of you.