Hey all,
So I recently found out that I have severe anemia because of my flare. Found out my hemoglobin is 6.4, and ferritin is 3. i was recommended to go to the ER for a blood transfusion, but was able to get set up with the iron IVs instead.
-Before going, I researched it on this forum (of course!), and I just want to add--it's relatively painless. I did not have any issues. It seems that might have to do with the type of iron they use--I got iron sucrose and it only took 15 minutes for the iron infusion (but add time for IV fluids and stuff). The worst part was finding the vein...took multiple tries and I now have a lovely hematoma on my arm (but I have small veins...so don't let that freak you out).
-In the past 2 weeks I've had 2 iron IVs and 2 rounds of blood work. So needless to say, because of the blood work and still active colitis, my levels did not improve much. I've got quite a few more appointments to go.
-But! I
think the iron IV greatly improved my flare symptoms!
For example: I've had agonizing upper back pain for the past month. Anytime I stood--cooking, at work, etc, my upper back would ache to the point where I would slouch over and need to shuffle from the pain. I don't think I ever experienced that before. That's now gone.
Also: I would have severe nausea whenever I had to use the bathroom, and some persistent nausea throughout the day. I thought this was as a result of cramping in my colon. But that's pretty much gone now too.
Other symptoms that improved: exhaustion (I started passing out when I got home!), shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. I really had been forcing myself to "push through" these symptoms, believing them just to be UC symptoms or just a result of not getting enough calories. But they've all improved even though my UC symptoms haven't. I can't think of anything else lately that could have changed all that. I feel I can focus on managing my flare better since I'm not struggling to breathe or stand up straight!
So my conclusion is--that developing severe anemia as a result of your UC can seriously exacerbate your symptoms and impact your quality of life! (its a vicious cycle...) But, since this blood loss is chronic and gradual, you might adapt and push through it.
So, although most of you probably know this already, if there's anyone here that is newer to colitis, if what I described sounds familiar, please make sure to get blood work, don't be afraid of iron IV, and don't just push through this--it could be making a bad flare worse!
