Well, Damn….

 Had some blood work done last week and thought it would be fine, In fact, I thought I’d be getting a gold star! Why? Well, let me tell you.

I’m anemic. A month ago I started taking a prescription iron pill. Supposed to be easier to absorb. And it was for a good three weeks until it started to make me sick, which iron does to me and most other people, BUT! I thought, good for me! Three weeks is longer than I’ve ever been able to take iron before so I must have done some good, right?

See, your iron is supposed to be at a level somewhere between 50-157. Mine was at 11, which is obviously too low, but I had gone for THREE WEEKS!! 

My doc calls me and she sounds upset. I have no idea why, I’m ready for my gold star, Baby! And the conversation went like this:

Doc: Um, about your iron, 

Me: ( ready to take that star and wear it on my shirt all week long!)

Doc: your iron actually went down while on iron.

Me: WTF? But, what does that mean?

Doc: well, I need you to make an appointment today to see the Hematologist… AND, your potassium is too high and I’m afraid that you’re at a high risk, between the two, to have a heart attack any time now. If you have chest pains, call an ambulance, sending a prescription in, see me on Friday the 13th for more blood to see if the medication is working. Don’t engage in stressful activities or situations. And she says…. Could be a few different things, by the way…. Maybe cancer or Celiac disease. You’ll get testing done, probably a colonoscopy too…. 

Well, fuck me, I guess.

 My iron level now? FOUR. As in, almost none. Zip. Nearly nada. I need transfusions, at least.

Me: This doesn’t feel like a gold star. Frozen stiff from terror. Ok, thanks….?

So, cool. Wish me luck.

Tracy