Happy Thursday friends! Today I wanted to say a quick note of thanks for all who were praying for my iron infusion yesterday. The day was absolutely gorgeous on the ferry crossing on the way to the hospital (picture above).
If you have been around the blog or know my health journey (click HERE to read more) then you know that I struggle with severe iron deficiency which is treated through routine iron infusions. In 2023, due to a shortage of the type of iron that my body specifically responds well with, I tried a different type of iron infusion (something that has happened over my health journey- but never this specific one) and had a very difficult reaction that lasted for nearly 9 months throughout 2023-2024.
Even though I knew that this treatment infusion would be the kind of iron that my body does well with, I still struggled up to yesterday due to the extreme difficulties and pain of those 9 months. I have never spoken on the blog about medical ptsd or sometimes these emotionally medically hard things to do for various reasons, but I know that many of you struggle with these things and I want you to know that I see you. I am so grateful for all of your prayers, the encouragement of those who have walked this path before, and the listening and supportive ears of so many. Sometimes walking the hallways of a hospital that holds so many different emotions is the most courageous thing that you can do.
I have walked the halls of this hospital specifically for nearly 9 years and yet, as some of you are aware... this is now a triggering situation for me. These hospital hallways and rooms have held some of the most wonderful moments of fantastic news regarding my health and some loved ones and then some devastating news in the lowest times and the loss of friends.
For me, yesterday, to walk back into this hospital was emotionally difficult to get an iron infusion again, even though I knew how important it is for my body. As I walked these hallways I looked around and wondered at the stories of those who were passing me. Were they walking courageously towards a treatment? Were they walking the hallways worried about a loved one? These questions made me stop and really just start focusing on the stories of so many people in those hallways and pray for them as I walked.
When I arrived into the treatment area I felt so ready (due to so many prayers I am sure!) to take this on and honestly every moment was filled with so many blessings and grace. Mom was able to be in the room with me and stayed the whole time after her own infusion which was the biggest blessing. The medical assistant that took me to the room was kind and gracious, brought the most lovely warm blankets and got ice (haha- y'all know my love of ice). I was so grateful for being able to see a dear friend and have laughter and a wonderful nurse who was incredible. Their calmness, laughter, and help just makes for a supportive experience that is impossible to explain. It is priceless.
This specific iron requires a test dose first (even if you have had it before) and then after an observation period you receive the full dose of iron.
Overall the infusion went well... I was able to work (Eating ice of course *smiles*- thank you Sue!) and was able to finish the infusion in a shorter amount of time then originally planned. For those who are not familiar, some iron infusions are quick and others, like the one I need to have, take lots and lots of hours (depending on a number of factors). After getting home yesterday I went to bed very early and this morning am feeling okay all things considered.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers for there to be no delayed reaction and all of your support and love! Happy Thursday friends!
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