The Waiting Game

This morning brought with it my bi-weekly lab visit - yay. I know, the excitement is palpable, isn't it? Honestly, I am beyond over these blood letting sessions, as well as the waiting game to see the "magic" numbers. Weekend anxiety is not exactly what I'm looking for. But it is, at least to a degree, what I've got. I should know early in the week what today's samples rendered in the way of results, and we'll go on from there. Basically, if the reticulocyte numbers are not up appreciably, then we are in the IV/IM iron area. You may have imagined this is something about which I am less than enthused.

The medical gist of this is that if the reticulocyte number is not high, then I'm not making enough new RBCs. If that is the case, it appears that the oral supplements, even at a very high dose, will not get my levels where they need to be. I have an absorption issue, as in I absorb virtually no iron that I take in, therefore, we must by-pass the GI tract altogether, eliminating the need for absorption. This would build up iron stores, leaving me with a supply to last for...well, that's a good question. How long would the infusion last? We'll address it at later time - let's get the results first. I maintain a tremendous faith in all the work I have done to get the iron levels up. 

Which brings us to my efforts. Remember that list of foods that inhibit iron absorption that I posted a few days ago? Well,  I querried the doc today regarding those foods, and I was told that in my situation, no dairy - period. Of course, being concerned with all vital nutrients, I posed the calcium question, to which the doc replied, "calcium is not something you should be worried about right now". OK. No dairy. Oh, no eggs - the protein in egg white binds iron, thus preventing absorption. Of course, I'd already cut out these items, but it was different when it was my decision and not an order. Now that it's an order, well...I want dairy...and eggs. Together. Perhaps with some cheese. And butter. How about a quiche?

Not a chance. It would so not be worth it, and besides, I am rising to the culinary challenge, just as I did when I realized gluten was a gastronomical "no-no". So, I have been creating little treats with lots of absorbable iron, no dairy, no eggs, no gluten, as little sugar as possible (considering we're talking baked goods here), and a fat content that is reasonable. Now, you jump on over to the Recipes page and check out the Chewy Date Cookies that meet the above requirements. They are YUM, and guess what else? I used quinoa flakes, which is a complete protein grain AND has an amazing amount of iron! These cookies are kind of like taking your medicine, except the medicine actually tastes good. So, eat up and be healthy!

Iron Woman FeFe