topic Re: Off I go in Wellness

Off I go

hckynut — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 16:33:16 GMT

Much to my surprise, at my monthly Hematology visit, I learn my Ferritin number is low, thus another 2 visits to hospital for Iron Infusions. Really did not expect this because I have been, and am still feeling absolutely great.

Told my wife that is good as I feel during my hard workouts, which now include my ice skating, no way would I expect to need these Infusions. I check all my vitals before/during, and after all my workouts, and nary a sign that points to even an iota of body physical fatigue.

More shocked than anything because in the past(this will be #35 Infusion) fatigue usually was when I suspected my Ferritin number to be well below my low, which is 30. Used to get the Iron in 1 visit with 500ml, but after I went into Anaphylactic Shock during one of them, they cut this to 250ml in 2 sessions 1 week apart. They also changed the type of Iron given me(think they said there are 5 different types), so far no problems the last 4 Infusions.

From getting to the hospital and having this procedure it can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, has a few that took 8 hours. They do several preliminary tests before that start the full dosage amount, and the rate of the IV drip varies, I am guessing in coordination with the Blood Pressure Readings and Oxygen Saturation numbers, not 100% sure of this part.

Sooo! skating today in a couple hours and bright an early tomorrow morning, off I go to get the the IV poke and we're off and running. Will be nice to see my nurse friends as it's been longer than usual, for me anyways. Always have some new stories to tell them, and them to me.

Just some info that may be of some use to someone that may need this procedure. It is a very simple procedure, it just takes a good amount of time out of one's day. Low risk for the large majority, and unless an IV poke is a problem for some, a pretty painless but time consuming procedure.

The end result is most feel much better after, especially if they were feeling fatigued before getting this diagnosis and procedure.

hckynut(john)

Re: Off I go

Newgate — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 16:46:49 GMT

Good luck to you with the procedure! Sounds like you have a good understanding of it! I am sure that helps!!

Re: Off I go

MalteseMomma — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:18:15 GMT

awww,john,I'm sorry did you mention to your Doc about how good you feel and ask if there could be some mistake in the readings?

Re: Off I go

IMW — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:41:52 GMT

Good Luck to you!

I too have ferritin issues. My low has been 7. I now have an md that cares more about how I'm feeling than the number. He has given infusions when I've been at 37 and said even at 50 it would be fine. Unlike you I have very uncomfortable symptoms.

I get the infusion in 2 doses 750ml of Injectifer 2 weeks apart in the md's office, it takes 40 minutes.

I was originally on Venifer. That took longer and 5 weeks of infusions.

I have had about 17 infusions. Now I'm needing them every 3-4 months, originally every 6 months.

Love my md and the Injectifer, it has made a huge difference in my life.

Every body is unique, don't know if this could work for you. I am weighed, bp checked,blood taken and continually monitored by RNs through each infusion. Many are receiving chemo at the same place.

Re: Off I go

SXMGirl — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:46:43 GMT

Good luck, John. I must be living under a rock, because I have never heard of Ferritin. Glad that you are feeling great and you are able to continue working out. I am sure that you have told your doctor about your hard workouts. Stay well.

Re: Off I go

vickie25 — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 03:20:56 GMT

You have definitely educated me John. I just assumed if you had low iron readings, you just needed to take some iron supplements. Had no idea a hospital visit could be needed for an IV infusion.

I guess I feel happy/sad for you. Happy that, other than a very time consuming procedure, it sounds pretty straight forward. Sad that you've needed so many over the years.

Good luck to you.

Re: Off I go

violann — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:23:16 GMT

@IMW- so glad to see your comment about everyone and every body being slightly different.

My new endocrinologist is also concerned about how my numbers are AND how I feel. She's great!

@hckynut- Always an inspiration!

Re: Off I go

KarenQVC — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 23:46:03 GMT

Keep up the good work, @hckynut.

These old bods need constant tuneups, I guess.

Re: Off I go

hckynut — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 01:26:03 GMT

Thanks everyone, all went well today. I was in at 8am out a little after 2pm. Same time next Tuesday for the other 250ml Infusion. Hopefully it is the typical smooth sailing as 99.9% of my many others have been.

I will see if it gets my Oxygen Saturation percentage numbers back up to the 96-98% range while doing my hard skating intervals. Can't really say I feel better, because with me feeling "great" already, that's the closest word to how I feel that I know about. Just seeing if my Saturation numbers go up, not a big thing, just interesting for me to log.

Thanks again everyone,

hckynut(john)

Re: Off I go

hckynut — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 15:43:02 GMT

Thank you again everyone. Tomorrow will be round #2, and hopefully the last for at least a few months. Hematologist will check Ferritin again in 3 months. I am thinking it will be another 6 hour visit with my many years long hospital staff friends. I anticipate a problem free Infusion.

Best to all of you,

hckynut(john)

Re: Off I go

Jayhawk Girl — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:37:43 GMT

Prayers to you!

Re: Off I go

hckynut — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 06:46:37 GMT

@Jayhawk Girl @violann @KarenQVC @SXMGirl,

My Iron Infusion today was again close to 6 hours, as was the one last week. While I had no major problems, the Infusion was stopped when my blood pressure dropped to 85/45.

I was getting close to my passing out stage, for my body, so this was happening only because of my personal physical makeup. I have had enough direct experience with blood pressure numbers over the years, so I do not always have to see a reading to know my staying conscious numbers.

Called for the nurse enough before time to keep my numbers from going below those passing out numbers. Infusion was stopped and regular IV Fluids were started, in the other part of the split IV. My numbers came up, my body regained being fully conscious and they asked if I wanted to continue.

It was my choice to continue and there was not another issue with finishing up what I came there to have done. When I told my wife, who also needs Iron Infusions(she is not allergic to Iron, as am I), she said she wished I had chosen to stop the Infusion, as that is what she would have chosen for herself.

Doing just fine, a little tired, but that is because I had one of my harder exercise workouts on Monday, and I understand the cause. Before my next Infusion, if I ever need one again, I learned something today that I won't forget. Never do a heavy/higher heart rate interval workout the day prior to having this procedure. Learned this today for sure.

Tomorrow is ice skating, though a little beat up from a couple falls, because I can now still skate well, and because I love doing so as long as I am physically able. One fall was a direct hit from behind, while I was on 1 foot, working on improving my balance as I do each skating session as part of my warmup. Kid could skate pretty fast, but cannot turn or stop quickly. The management showed him the door after this uncalled for incidence. He didn't even apologize and that tells me a lot about him and???

Gotta throw in the down sides of what and why's of my experiences. While it is great to be able to once again skate well, nobody at any level of skill on ice skates is immune to taking a fall. A direct hit from behind by a young kid that is trying to impress someone with his skating speed? He will only do it to me 1 time that's for sure.

Thanks everyone for your concern as it is sincerely appreciated.

hckynut(john)

Re: Off I go

SXMGirl — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 02:24:14 GMT

@hckynut, thanks for posting, John! I hope you are feeling well. I cannot imagine going through the procedures that you and your wife go through. Wishing you both the best.

Re: Off I go

hckynut — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:56:53 GMT

Thank you @SXMGirl,

Little beat up, but for my body that seems to be more the norm than the exception. Always body parts beat up during my hockey and ref days, but as long as they still worked, I was/am good to go. Other than that I am still feeling great and that is a very nice feeling.

Appreciate your kind comments,

hckynut(john)

Re: Off I go

wonderfulworld — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 02:21:50 GMT

My sister has had those infusions and they are not for the faint of heart (no pun intended). Hers is an autoimmune issue and attacks different areas at different times.

Kind of a surprise when you have been feeling and doing so well. Not much keeps you down does it John?

Happy (and safe) skating!

Re: Off I go

Jayhawk Girl — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 02:45:44 GMT

Wish I could go ice skating with you, except I would fall and break my butt!