Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

It's been a little crazy since Wednesday's appt. They tested my hemoglobin level on the spot, and it was 6.1. It should be between 12-15. Ack! Last time I was low, it was at 4, and they straightfaced told me I should be dead at that level. Luckily, 6.1 is a little better. So, they also did another blood test that they called me in to review the results of at 8 on Friday morning. Seems many of my blood levels were REALLY low. They sent me straight over to the ER for a transfusion of 2 units. So I sat and watched daytime TV for more than 8 hours straight while not able to get comfy in an ER cot. However, I am very thankful for the blood. Almost immediately my skin pinked up, my fingernail beds turned from white to pink and I suddenly got hungry! It was really nice to be served food, instead of trying to make it for myself when I could barely stand up!

We are still tackling my ulcerative colitis problem. The clinic did not have a gastro doc on staff, and talk is, they want to send me to Cook County Hospital in Chicago, because it is no-cost there. I don't know how that will work exactly. Not having insurance really sucks, so let me preach:

***If you ever lose your job and are offered COBRA insurance, TAKE IT no matter how much it costs! Find a way to pay for it. It's worth it in the long run! If you do not take it, there is a good chance you will be denied insurance if you try to get it on your own. This is my predictament!

***And, on a positive note, please encourage those you know who can, to give blood. I am so thankful for the blood I received this time, and the time before. It really saved my life. It's only a pin prick and a few minutes of your time when you give blood, and it's a good thing to do!

OK, off the soapbox. Today I'm feeling better as far as energy goes. I'm trying not to overdo it though. It's a little weird having energy to do what needs to be done. (And trust me after the last few weeks of me being a sick bump on a log, there's plenty to catch up on around here.)

My UC has been docile for the last day, I gotta think about whether I really want to go to Cook County Hospital or not, but I have to do something.

Thanks for reading my blabber! Take care, all!

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