A Perfect Day

Living with severe anemia can be a roller coaster ride that you just can't get off of if not treated properly, and for some of us, even though treated, the ride slows down, but you never get off.

As I head for extensive testing today - mostly to discern if current medications are adequately addressing my needs, I am nervous though hopeful. As an "experienced patient", I can say without testing, that I have not been feeling well for the last month and am not really looking forward to the results. Even taking my meds regularly is no guarantee that all of the blood counts will be positive.

There have been new regulations set forth on meds treating iron-deficiency, specifically for oncology patients, which are the meds I take. To date, there has been no settlement on the new meds that will be released but with any hope, they will be more effective than the current options.

I as look through the news on Anemia, I see that actress Brittany Murphy, who recently died, was also a severe Anemic. One of the cause of death is thought to be a result of her Anemia and complications with cold medicines. I am personally concerned when taking cold or flu medicines because of potential problems and avoid ibuprofen as it acts as a blood thinner. Then on the other side of news you see Venus Williams has also suffered from severe Anemia - this did cause her to drop from a championship match in 2000, however, as we all know, she has rebounded well.

While the treatment of Anemia can seem simple to some, it can be a debilitating blood disorder that needs to be treated regularly. Today is a 15-20 tube day - meaning they take alot to run all the tests they need just to see if I will need another transfusion - seems like a little awkward doesn't it? Taking away the precious life-blood I need so badly - although it's also iron-infusion time which depending on the amount can be a 4-10 hour process - it's a long day, but it helps me see another day and my daughter's bright smile. Sounds like a perfect day to me.