get my anemia under control

We’ll see what the iron & iron binding capacity levels look like – and map out the next few months’ program.

1/15/09. We’ll see what the levels look like, and go from there.

My skin is absolutely gorgeous – icy blue pale and translucent – which is usually a pretty good indicator that I’m perilously low on iron. Add in the fact that I cannot sleep – even with medication – and am irritable and tired – which are all further symptoms of worse than normal levels of anemia. I need to hie myself to the hematologist.

I haven’t been since late August, which isn’t very good selfcare on my part. Yes, time flies, and yes, I’ve been busy – but it’s shameful that I’ve not taken more care in this area.

I am on hold with the doctor’s office right now.

So finals are done and usually I’m wiped out and can’t move for days. This time, I’m A-OK and only had a short relapse that doesn’t even count.

Hooray!

I took my iron supplement last night, but I won’t be taking it again for awhile. I received an email from OHSU today about a study they’re doing on women who have heavy menstrual bleeding and are anemic, and whose anemia is the result of either heavy bleeding or from having a child. The study consists of three visits and a follow up phone call. If you complete the study, you will receive $200.

I called to see if I qualify and so far I do. I have my first visit today to have my blood drawn and have my vitals checked to ensure that I do qualify to continue in the study. Qualified participants will either receive an iron supplement like the one I’ve been taking, or they’ll receive iron through an IV.

The email also said that if you qualify for enrollment, you can receive a flu shot at no charge and receive $45. So all told I could end up receiving $245 and I would receive it in about 6 weeks. Depending on how our finances look in December (and assuming I qualify after the tests today), I’ll either use the money for Christmas gifts or towards one of our credit card debts.

Edit: Turns out the flu shot is only for women between the ages of 55 and 65.

4 weeks down, 4 to go

I’m starting to notice small changes – I’m not tired when I wake up in the morning any more and I’m not exhausted throughout the day.

3 weeks down, 5 to go

I’m really proud of myself for even making it this long.

2 weeks down, 6 to go

1 week down, 7 to go

I never want to have a breakdown again. Last year after a new job and first semester of grad school I had a really bad relapse. Now my goal is to stay on top of this ALWAYS. I keep pills in my desk, in all of my purses, next to my alarm clock, at my parent’s house… Just. In. Case.