Yesterday was my last iron infusion and eighth of the year! I hope it's the final one for now. My hands were affected by previous infusions, so this time they used my arm. This is much easier for me than the hand route, and I'm glad they chose this option.
For the first time, I am experiencing side effects from the iron infusion, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle aches. Strange sensations include pain in my left earlobe and the outside of my big toes. Very odd feelings! They also advise no exertion or significant exercise for 48 hours. I am really looking forward to getting on the bike tomorrow, after 9 days off for the infusion!
The hematologist believes that the only place I could be losing blood is in my stomach. I know that when I take oral iron, my stool is often red. I assume hemorrhoids (piles) or anal fissures (tears) caused by the severe constipation from oral iron. Sometimes the stool is black, too. I have started taking pantoprazole and watching my diet, hoping this will lead me closer to a solution.
Shelley returned from Nashville late yesterday, where she had a rewarding yet exhausting time with her four grandchildren. I know her dad is eager to see her, since she has been visiting him at least three times a week and has been gone for six days. We leave again in January to babysit the four children while her parents go to Cabo. I had initially hoped that North Dakota State would make the FCS finals and arrive in Nashville early for the FCS Championship, but they really blew it in the first playoff round. They did not look good. Still, Montana State seems unstoppable. So maybe it's a blessing they didn’t make it.
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