So I finally made an appoinment to see a hematologist about my low iron. I've been putting it off for a few months. I hate going to the Dr and honestly, I don't feel tired or lethargic so I didn't think me being anemic was that big of a deal. I knew deep down that I needed to get this figured out though. I was just being lazy.
Tuesday was my appoinment. It was for 4:30. They told me to get there a half hour early to fill out paperwork. Which ended up taking me a whopping 5 minutes. At 10 to 5, I am finally called back. I was happy until they took me to the room to get blood drawn. WTF??? I had NO idea I was getting blood work done. Why didn't someone tell me this?? So I had to get that done, and then the nurse weighed me and did all my stats. A little after 5 I was put into an exam room.
Where I sat waiting for 45 minutes!!! I was so cranky and annoyed. 45 minutes is just ridiculous. I was literally about to walk out the door when the doctor came in. Then she had to ask me a million questions about my history and my family history. While I was happy she was detailed, some things I didn't see any connection to why I have low iron. Then I had to get a full body exam, including a breast exam!!! again WTF? I feel like this doctor was determined to find cancer in me, to explain my blood.
Finally a half hour later she tells me I need to get IV Iron. Which is what I've known all along. I basically made this appoinment to get the ball rolling on that. I had no idea I would be there for over 2 hours! UGH. It was 6:15 by the time I got out of there. I was literally the last patient to leave. It was so late I couldn't even set up my appoinment for the IV iron. lol.
I made my appoinment today. I'm a little nervous and wary about the whole thing. I do not want to be made to wait like that again. Plus I don't know if this will even help me. Also what if I get a reaction?
Karen I know you have to get this done often. Can you shed any light on it for me??
2 comments:
I am sorry you had to wait so long. I would bet that every single time you go into the hematologist's office they take blood. That is what they do!
I never had a reaction to the IV iron. I only feel sick/feverish when they give me whole blood transfusions. I know the doctor always confirms that I ate lunch or snack before we start the IV so maybe you should make sure you have a snack before.
The only problem I ever had with infusions was when the infusion was coming too fast and I blew out a vein. The iron leaked into to my tissue and turned my whole forearm black. And it stayed black for over 2 years! LOL It looked like the worse bruise that you can imagine having, but it didn't hurt at all. It took more than 2 years for my body to absorb all that misplaced iron. But in hind sight, I knew something was wrong because the IV site was BURNING SO BAD. But I didn't say anything to the doctor/nurse because I didn't realize what was happening. Now if I have any tiny pain during the infusion, I let someone know. I also now get my IV placed in my hand since the arm incident.
It is really no big deal. Depending on the size of the infusion bag, it takes about 45 mins to 90 mins. I usually read or chit-chat with someone else who is getting a treatment. Or spend the time texting or playing Angry Birds. I've even dragged a friend with me a few times when I knew I was getting whole blood because that takes longer. It is just good to have someone to talk to!
You'll be fine! I know some people hate needles, but this will certainly help you get over that fear quickly!
Carolyn - usually when you get IV's you won't have to wait because the doctor is not involved. The nurse can administer that I would assume so you should get right in. I get IV's of magnesium but have never had to do iron.
Best of luck. It should be painless. Eat something as Karen said though even if just a snack. Bring something to read - I like to read while I get this so I am not focused on the needle in my arm. :-)
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