Set Backs

I have recently had some setbacks on my journey to get healthy.  On August 9th I had my blood drawn for some routine labs in preparation for my upcoming WLS check up.  I went to my check up appt on August 12.  When I got there the nurse and Dr were very concerned about me.  My blood levels were extremely low.  Like scary low.

So my hemoglobin was only 6.2, which is about half of what it should be in order for my body to be receiving adequate oxygenation.  And my Iron saturation was only 1.91% and it should be somewhere closer to 20%.  All of this added up to me needing a blood transfusion.... like NOW!

The cause of these low levels are from me not taking my vitamins.  I know I know.... rookie mistake.  My Drs told me at every single appt to take my vitamins and treat them like MEDICINE not supplements as my body NEEDS them.  But I didn't.  I have a long list of reasons why I didn't but they all make me sound like a sniveling snout.  So I will spare you the details.  And besides.... the bottom line is that I didn't take them and now I am paying the consequences for those actions.

So I had to go get my blood typed and screened so they could prepare to transfuse me.  The following day I had to arrive at the hospital at 7:30 am and be admitted.  That in and of itself was a nightmare!  My friend Sara had to watch my kids while my other friend Sarah took me to the hospital because it just so happened that my husband was working out of town on these 2 days.    They transfused me with 2 units of packed red blood cells.

The following day August 14th, I had another complete Blood count done and my levels were still too low.  So they ordered another blood transfusion for Friday August 15th.  They put 2 units of packed red blood cells in me.  This time Tim was able to come with me!

This weekend I just hung out and tried to rest and also got on a good schedule of vitamins.  I downloaded an app to my phone that reminds me what to take and at what time.  All in all I have to take medicines 6 times a day because of how my altered by surgery body absorbs nutrients.  But the App is helping me stay on top of it!

This morning August 18th I had another Complete Blood Count done and it looks like my Hemoglobin is at 10.7 and my hematocrit is at 35.  These numbers look good to the Dr on call.  My Dr will not be in the office until tomorrow morning to review these numbers.  But at this point I am doing better and will not require another transfusion today.