Having had my iron levels tested by the Nutritionist, I asked for a test from the NHS as well as I knew that they were low. The result of these were as predicted, my iron levels are very low. Initially I had to call the IBD team to ask for my results and they acknowledged that they were a “wee bit” low and were going to email the consultant to see if there was a need for an iron transfusion. This was on the Thursday.
On the Friday I had a call from the IBD Team again, asking whether I was able to go for my iron infusion the next day… a Saturday. I happily accepted and was planned in for 12pm on Saturday to receive some much needed iron.
At 12pm on Saturday, I popped in to the Aylsham Suite at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for my transfusion. I was met by a lovely nurse who settled me in my chair, told me that it was going to take about 30 minutes She got me a cup of hot chocolate and some bourbon biscuits and I settled in ready to be cannulated. My favourite.
A lovely HCA came over to cannulate me and managed it first time! In the side of my hand (not so fun…) But we were away and I was getting some much needed iron. I chilled for 30 minutes, putting my headphone in to listen to some music, updated all my dates in my dairy and starting some reading. All in all, a rather civilised afternoon!
I have another one a week later and then we will assess where my iron levels are in order to work out whether I will need any more. I am just waiting for the results of my B12 blood tests too see if that might need some boosting too….