Just over three years ago, I had my first iron infusion.
Backing up a little. I had ended up in the Emergency Room. My heart had been acting up and, that night, something just felt off so my husband decided to take me to the hospital.
I told them I was pretty anemic. I've struggled with Iron Deficiency Anemia since having my daughter. They did some bloodwork, came back and said, "You're anemic." Yep, I knew that. I was told to see a hematologist and so I made an appointment.
So glad I did. For years, doctors had been trying different iron supplements out on me. We'd played with my diet. Things would work for a little while but then I'd be anemic again. My hemoglobin went down to four more than once. That's mighty low and I've talked to women who've had transfusions at those levels.
I had a doctor who had suggested seeing a hematologist but then I moved across the country and my new doctors wanted to start from square one. Had I known then what I know now, I just would have scheduled an appointment with the hematologist from the get go. I think I just thought they'd tell me I was anemic and we'd be right back where I was.
How wrong I was. I saw the hematologist and she discussed infusions with me. Had my blood tested and they wanted to get me right in.
I've shared that story here:
Intravenous Iron Infusion and Me
Three years later, I couldn't even tell you how many rounds of infusions I've had. They know me at the Cancer Center. I'd like to find a solution to all of this and remain hopeful that we will. In the meantime, I'm starting this blog.
Through sharing my stories online, I've come to realize that many other women (and men) get iron infusions and they just want to know they are not alone. Many people go searching for iron infusion experiences before they begin the process. I hope my posts help. I know that if you are going through this as well, I'd love to hear from you.
Backing up a little. I had ended up in the Emergency Room. My heart had been acting up and, that night, something just felt off so my husband decided to take me to the hospital.
I told them I was pretty anemic. I've struggled with Iron Deficiency Anemia since having my daughter. They did some bloodwork, came back and said, "You're anemic." Yep, I knew that. I was told to see a hematologist and so I made an appointment.
So glad I did. For years, doctors had been trying different iron supplements out on me. We'd played with my diet. Things would work for a little while but then I'd be anemic again. My hemoglobin went down to four more than once. That's mighty low and I've talked to women who've had transfusions at those levels.
I had a doctor who had suggested seeing a hematologist but then I moved across the country and my new doctors wanted to start from square one. Had I known then what I know now, I just would have scheduled an appointment with the hematologist from the get go. I think I just thought they'd tell me I was anemic and we'd be right back where I was.
How wrong I was. I saw the hematologist and she discussed infusions with me. Had my blood tested and they wanted to get me right in.
I've shared that story here:
Intravenous Iron Infusion and Me
Three years later, I couldn't even tell you how many rounds of infusions I've had. They know me at the Cancer Center. I'd like to find a solution to all of this and remain hopeful that we will. In the meantime, I'm starting this blog.
Through sharing my stories online, I've come to realize that many other women (and men) get iron infusions and they just want to know they are not alone. Many people go searching for iron infusion experiences before they begin the process. I hope my posts help. I know that if you are going through this as well, I'd love to hear from you.
I am considering this as I've never heard of it before. I've been anemic since my teen years. My hemoglobin is up to 10 from 9 after taking my ferrous sulfate tabs for a few straight months.
ReplyDeleteAre you seeing a hematologist? They can tell you if an infusion is the right treatment for you. Let us know what they say!
ReplyDelete