Well…I didn’t intend to take six months off from blogging, but here we are. I had every intention of sharing my final two hikes of 2025 and continuing on my merry blogging way, but every time I thought about writing a hike recap I just…didn’t want to. Weeks went by, then months, and then winter did its wintry thing and I had minimal motivation for most everything. I knew I would be bit by the bug again eventually, and I was willing to wait until that happened.
SO. I’m not going to word vomit every little detail of my life the past six months, but I will share some of the heavy hitters. I hibernated a good bit during the winter, and there isn’t much to report from those few months, but as the frost thawed and the flowers bloomed life became more exciting (and a bit shitty, but that’s life right?)
First and foremost…because I know we are all dying to know…yes, I did take Little to see Christmas lights in December.
Homie wasn’t vibing like he used to, and I think these days less is more for our car rides. He seems to become a bit nauseated and less interested in longer rides. In fact I don’t really take him in the car much at all these days, but I couldn’t let tradition die. This was one of three highlights for my winter months. Another highlight was a bike ride with my pals. I had ridden this route before, and I knew of all the Little Free Libraries.
I convinced them to stop at every single one.
I found a book on this ride, which speaking of reading – I have been struggling to get into a groove lately. I read 70 books in 2024, 52 in 2025, and so far this year I have read 17. 2023 Brittany would be so proud of 17, but I have been struggling to focus on most things that require mental focus right now. Thankfully there is a reason for this, but I will get to that.
The third and final winter activity I was jazzed about was doing some good ol’ community service with my pals. My workplace “adopted” a section of a local trail system and we have had monthly volunteer sessions where we go and maintain the trail. In Jan/Feb/March this was spending two hours picking up trash. It was surprisingly satisfying, and also loads of fun. So much so, that I bought my own grabby device and wrangled some pals to do this unaffiliated with work (but we do all work together, minus our family members.)
Ok, let’s move on to Spring. Two major highlights happened during this time – I celebrated Little’s 18th birthday, and I ran my 9th half marathon. One of these events went much better than the other. Little is the light of my life, and it has been such a gift to see him thrive in his 18th year of life. He is doing amazingly well these days and his birthday was nothing short of wonderful. I bought him a birthday crown, some treats, and he got some time outside.
The back patio has since been pressure washed, it no longer looks like it does in that last photo. But even the grit and grime of winter couldn’t stop Little from rolling around like a hog in the mud. He must be drinking the youth juice because I swear his zoomies have become zoomier in his old age. I’m not complaining, I love nothing more than running late for work because I had to oblige the king during his morning zoomfest.
It should go without saying Little’s birthday was the event that went smoother than my half marathon. I started training for my half in February, a tradition I have maintained for the past three years. A spring half marathon keeps me active in the winter, but from the start of my training I struggled. I could not find my energy, and every long run became progressively harder. Something similar happened to me last year, but that time it didn’t hit until halfway through my training.
I’m not one to quit, so I pushed through every run and just let my pace get slower and slower. Last year I let my slower pace bother me, but this year I let every expectation go and all I wanted was to finish a run without wanting to die. I finally got to the last few weeks of my training, and I was convinced this had to be my last half marathon for a while. My training was too much of a slog, and something wasn’t right. Normally, I blame any excessive fatigue on my autoimmune disease. This has worked well for me in the past, but this time it turned out to be something else.
Honestly, it’s probably a combo of things (including autoimmune chaos), but it’s validating to know there was something else brewing too.
I went to the doctor at the end of April for a massage referral and while I was there I decided to mention in passing I was struggling with extra fatigue than usual. I thought maybe it was hormones, I’m 37 now and we all know what’s just around the corner, but as it turned out I am severely iron deficient. This nugget of news was like a light bulb going off. Suddenly everything made sense. I now believe I have been in this deficient state since March 2025 because I never quite got my gumption of energy back.
My half was scheduled a week after my doc apt. Every fiber in my body wanted to skip the race. Running felt awful, I didn’t want to drive the three hours to the town I was running, and my motivation was at an all time low. The cherry on the cake was when I discovered there were only 28 people signed up for the half. TWENTY EIGHT. This is literally my worst nightmare. I chose a half in Leavenworth, which is a HUGEEELY touristy area and I was convinced it would be a popular race. WRONGO.
So now, even if I wanted to do the race and let myself walk I was terrified of being last. This is NOT to say there is anything wrong with being last, but it’s an irrational fear I have and my anxiety was through the roof. Ultimately I got over myself and ran the race. Well, I ran/walked/ran/walked. The race was a looped course which was amazing because I got to see Duncan multiple times throughout, and I had him walk with me during some of the moments I needed to walk. I ran more than I anticipated, but I also walked over 25 minutes of the race.
I managed to finish the half in 2:31, and I BEAT FOUR PEOPLE. I hardly saw anyone for the majority of the last two laps, just me and the volunteers I bantered with. I thought this would be tough, but being alone actually made it easier. I was able to just focus on myself and do whatever I needed to finish. At the end of the day I couldn’t not run this, I had to get my cow bell medal!
I’m very proud of my time, and under normal circumstances I wouldn’t think twice about it. It wasn’t the pace that was the issue, it was how difficult it was to put one foot in front of the other. It was how hard I had to work to get air into my lungs, and to move my legs that felt like lead. These situations continue to give me perspective on running as a whole, and I hope to find my way back to runs that are enjoyable. Running doesn’t always need to feel easy, but it sure as heck shouldn’t feel like running with anvils on your feet.
Big shoutout to Duncan for rewarding me with not one, but two gluten free cupcakes from the downtown bakery I love. That’s really why I made the three hour drive. Since the race, I have been obsessed with finding ways to increase my iron reserves. It’s been a month since my race, almost two months since my initial doc apt, and I’d be lying if I said I felt much better. I have been on a few hikes already this season and the first two were really difficult. I am currently taking supplements and have increased my red meat intake, but from my non stop research I know this is going to be a long and slow journey.
I can’t help but wonder if this has happened to me multiple times throughout my life. I was iron deficient in my early 20’s, and it tends to be a common theme for people who do higher intensity sports (running, cycling.) Back then I blamed it on being vegan, which likely was a huge factor (I still don’t eat red meat much), but it was possibly a combo of running and diet. Who knows, but what I do know is something wasn’t right and I am thankful to have an answer. I’m only running 1-3 miles right now, and very sporadically.
I’m doing everything I can to ensure I have even the bare minimum energy to get my hike on this summer.
So that’s my update. Now I know why it’s been hard to focus on things, why I have limited motivation, why the world was a little extra dull, and why my running has been hot garbage for a longgg time. My work days are a bit brutal too, I manage for an hour before being absolutely gassed, but the years of practice acting normal during excessive fatigue have been paying off (lol.) I eventually get a second wind halfway through the day, but I look forward to all of that ending.
I have a three month follow up next month to see if the supplements are working, and I am trying to stay optimistic. I only occasionally wallow reading reddit stories of those who have been struggling for years despite diet and supplement changes.
I’m hoping to get back in the swing of blogging things. No promises, but I have been hiking which is always fun to share. I managed to scorch the ever loving life out of my legs after hiking in the snow this past weekend. What a rookie mistake. Shorts on top of snow…whoops. Alright, that’s all for now. If you made it this far thanks for sticking around. Also, big thanks to my pal John who checked on me not once, but twice via e-mail. Appreciate you friend.
Q’s:
- Has anyone else experienced iron deficiency? Please tell me it will get better…
- Whatttt is new with everyone?! I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on.
Blissfulbritt 
59 thoughts on “Six Months Later”
mariezhuikov
Let’s hear it for little free libraries! My neighborhood has a few and I use them/donate to them. And good for you to do a community service project despite your health challenges. At least you’ve discovered what the issue was. That’s usually the hardest part. Best wishes on your recovery.
Brittany
Yahoo!! I keep a stack of books I’m done with in my trunk just in case I stumble upon a LFL in the wild.
Sheree
Welcome back
Brittany
Thank you!
Bonnie Rae
This was a fascinating read for me. Brava on completing the half. And an 18 year old kitty doing zoomies makes my heart burst. My 2025 was quite similar to yours with quite unexpected results. For a year I told everyone who would listen that the fatigue I was experiencing was not normal. It was brutal. My hiking last summer was lighter than it ever had been and I was exhausted by any significant elevation gain. I am a 64 (63 last summer) year old woman with RA. My doctors blamed my fatigue on age, my gender and my RA. I don’t doubt that all of those things contributed but I knew something was wrong. Tests showed low iron for me too. My naturopath ran a dozen tests as well. No one seemed terribly concerned. My PCP finally heard me about the brutal fatigue and after hearing a heart murmur did an EKG. Normal. As a precaution and to establish a baseline she also ordered an echocardiogram. On my birthday in late November I did the echo. Long story short, in early February I had heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. That brutal fatigue? Severe aortic stenosis. A complete shock to my very active self. Had no one listened to me I’d still be walking around with a time bomb in my chest. Be your own fierce advocate. If the supplements aren’t helping with the fatigue keep looking for answers. My recovery has gone well but I am still dogged by low iron. I’m looking forward to a full hike schedule but continue to advocate for answers for the ongoing fatigue. Trust me when I say your best years are ahead. Keep listening to your body. I’ll look forward to reading your trip reports this summer!
Brittany
I am so sorry to hear you had to go through this back and forth for someone to listen to you. I hear this story all too often and it bums me out every time. We know our bodies best, and I am thankful you were able to push for someone to do more for you.
I am aghast no one was able to find the actual problem, and it’s terrifying to think you could have been living with this had you listened to everyone telling you that you were fine. You’re an inspiration for advocacy.
Thank you for sharing your story, and for the encouraging words. I hope to be hiking still when I am 64! Hoping you continue to find more answers as well. ❤
mjeanpike
Good to see you again, Britt. I love the idea of a Little Free Library bike tour. How fun! I think my backpack would be too loaded down to pedal the bike though, lol.
Brittany
One time when I went on a LFL tour with Duncan, I “forgot” to bring a backpack. He had to carry the 3-4 books I wanted. What a guy. LOL
Liz H-H
Good to see you back, but sorry for your struggles. KOKO ( Keep on keepin’ on)
Brittany
Thank you friend! This too shall pass.
Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library
Beautifully Done! LOVE the Little Free Library!
Brittany
The libraries bring me more joy than I ever would have expected!
Peg
I was overjoyed to see a post from you this morning. I haven’t been to WordPress very often, but I do check in on my favorites (you are definitely one) from time to time. And I completely understand about the lack of motivation in the winter. All I want to do is hibernate, too.
So glad your Little is doing so well. Our kitty, Summer Girl (who is 1 year older than Little and looks exactly the same) is doing good, too. She has arthritis bad in one leg, but she gets around almost as good as she ever did.
So glad you found out what is making you so tired! It is always a huge relief to be able to put a name to something, and I hope the treatment works for you.
Congrats on finishing the marathon despite your problems. Always good to have a reward at the end of a difficult endeavor, and a cupcake (two!) sounds perfect.
Take care of yourself, Duncan, & Little!
Brittany
Hi Peg! Always so nice to see a comment from you. Thank you for always stopping by and saying such kind things. I am over the moon to hear Summer Girl is also doing well. She and Little must be eating the right food, or maybe they have amazing parents who take great care of them. 😉
Roy McCarthy
Welcome back Britt. Big cheers to you on completing the Half. We know that running isn’t meant to be easy but it can be horrible if you’re not right medically or physically. You pushed through despite being far from being in shape. Interesting though – I went vegan a few years ago and I’ve never felt better. OK I’m slowing up now and doubt if I’ll do another Half, but I’m twice your age so I know the reasons 🙂 I’m loving the Little Free libraries. No need for them here in our small island with a great big library which incorporates a mobile library and home delivery for those who need it.Look forward to your next post.
Brittany
I absolutely believe you feel better as a vegan! I was a vegan for a few years (after nearly 10 as a vegetarian), and if it weren’t for my body no longer accepting grains and legumes well I still would be!
I am thankful to have a wonderful library system near me too, but something about the Little Free Libraries feels like stumbling onto a free candy shop. I love bringing books back after I have finished them.
Diana
As someone who has been severely iron deficient (and still takes supplements a few days a week to prevent it from happening again), I feel your pain. Even as you were describing how you felt I found myself thinking, it sounds like she’s iron deficient. How you felt was exactly how I felt. I’m glad you got diagnosed and are taking supplements. And yes, it will get better! It takes a few months to rebuild your reserves, but it will get better.
Brittany
Wow, there are a lot of us here in the comments who have suffered or are suffering with this. It’s nice to find people who get it, but it also bums me out we are all plagued by this!
Thank you for the reassurance it will get better, patience hasn’t always been my strongest skill, but I have no other choice than to take it one day at a time!
James Hogan
Good to see you back!! And congrats on the half. I have never yet competed in a race greater than a 5k, but at one time had ambitions of running more, back when my Saturday morning runs would be 5-10 miles or so, depending on my mood. I tried getting back into running a few years back but back pain was a real issue with my running so I dropped it. Now I feel a bit bad about that as I’m “only” 39 this year. So your story here inspired me – thanks for sharing, truly!!
My wife has fatigue and struggles with long walks and low iron has been identified but it’s difficult to isolate if that’s the only reason for the fatigue, as she also has some other neurological issues that challenge her health. Reading this, I’m going to talk with her on supplements for the iron deficiency. It can’t hurt, I suppose.
Good to read your writing again and thanks for sharing!
Brittany
Ohhh friend, back pain with running is so real. I’m sorry to hear that has been happening for you. Sometimes (at least for me) it can be SOOO hard to admit to ourselves we would be better off NOT doing something we enjoy. I stopped for many years for multiple different reasons, but I always find my way back. Sometimes it just takes some small tweaks (like slowing down for me.)
I’m also sorry to hear about your wife. Her story sounds similar to mine and I think many others. I know things like this happen to men, but this undiagnosed fatigue and uncomfortable symptoms seem to plague women. I hope she can find some answers or at least some reprieve. It can be a tiring and isolating journey.
Josh del Villar
Great to see you back amiga! Life sure gets busy doesn’t it. Honestly you are the only blog I keep up with these days, when I do keep up.
Sounds like you’ve been doing well even when its rough. Well done.
Happy birthday to the kiddo and congrats on the half! Very well done.
I’ve no experience with iron deficiency and I’ve never heard of it being associated with running but I learn new things every day. Im sure you will tackle this as you do all things.
Not to go into it here but My own life has been rather hectic lately. Big news for me is in moving to New Zealand. Well be working there starting August or September.
more to come i suppose but happy to see you here again.
JdV
Brittany
I am honored I am the only blog you keep up with, truly! I do like writing for myself, to have these posts to refer back to, but once in a while I get in my head and think “why am I sharing this no one cares.”
I love all my blog friends though, and I am always happy to engage with everyone. I miss reading your running adventures.
I’m sorry to hear things have been hectic, if we could just have a calm few years that would be great!!! Are you going to be working in medicine still in NZ!? AMAZING. What a fun adventure to come your way. Maybe you can blog it…maybe…maybe… 🙂
Grace @ Cultural Life
I’m so glad to see you back! I checked out your blog a couple of times as I noticed your absence for months, but I couldn’t see a way to get in touch and check everything was okay.
Sorry to hear about the chronic iron deficiency. It affects so much, and I’ve suffered with it myself in the past. These days I take iron supplements daily and the doctor checks my levels annually. They’re always hovering right at the lower end of the “normal” range but I feel okay. It does get better, with time. And I’m a vegetarian who boosted my levels through supplements alone, so if I can do it, so can you 🙂
I’m sure you’ve been told this by your doctor, but I was advised to take my iron supplements with vitamin C as it boosts absorption, and to take them away from caffeine (which hinders absorption). I have a supplement which includes vitamin C but I’ve heard you can also pair a supplement with a glass of orange juice.
Dried apricots (the undyed / unsulphured ones) are high in iron and I love them as a snack for hiking.
Well done with the half marathon! And I’m glad that Little is doing well and going strong at 18 years old.
Hope you feel better soon and get your energy back. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your follow-up appointment.
Brittany
Hi friend! I’m sorry to hear you also struggle with low iron. I’ve found that at least here in the states a lot of people (mostly women) are often in a critically low state (low ferritin), but the numbers look “normal.” The normal range is apparently insanely too low, and from reading others experiences they don’t start feeling better until their ferritin is above 50.
My doc DID tell me about vit c, but he DID NOT tell me about calcium and coffee. I discovered those tidbits on my own. I immediately came home and started to research (I was delusional thinking I could boost something in a week to make my half go better LOL.) I started talking a supplement with vitamin c in it, but I eventually switched and I now take a different one alongside 1000mg vit c pill. I take them anywhere between 1-3am when I wake up to feed Little. That way I don’t have to skip my morning coffee.
I will have to start eating more apricots!! I don’t love meat, but I have added one steak a month during my cycle. I’m hopeful supplements can be the heavy hitter though. Some days it feels like these up’s and down’s never end!
Grace @ Cultural Life
Thank you. It seems to be such a common issue, as you say. And although my recent iron checkup earlier this year was deemed “normal” by the GP, my ferritin level was only 3 points above the lowest end of the “normal” range, which doesn’t feel very healthy to me. I had lapsed with my supplements for a bit but I’m back on them now. Here’s hoping your supplements kick in soon, and cheers to not skipping morning coffee. I can’t do without my daily cup 😄
Rootchopper
Awww. Thanks for the shout out. I haven’t been tearing up the blogosphere myself lately so I know how it goes.
Hang in there.
Brittany
Still nice to see a few posts from you! Only when the desire hits, otherwise it becomes a chore.
Thistles and Kiwis
Lovely to see you back blogging! OK – first up – your cat – 18 is such a good age and he is an absolute delight. It was a lovely thing to read with breakfast this Sunday morning. Hope you get your energy levels back up and that the iron supplements help. And you did so well to complete the run.
Brittany
My 18 year old bean!! I am so happy he is still going strong. I feel so lucky to have had all this time (and still going!)
Kerri
Sometimes, even those of us who write stories (plus blog) don’t always feel like writing. Some call it writer’s block. I call it just not wanting to. Great to see you back at it, though! As for the iron deficiency, I’ve had it for years. My doctor put me on Prenatals with Iron – even though my baby days are long, long gone at 65. Give that a try and see if it helps. I’m a huge believer in vitamins because we just can’t eat all we’d have to in order to keep our bodies healthy.
Brittany
I’m sorry to hear you also struggle with iron deficiency issues, there are a lot of us here in these comments. I used to take prenatal vitamins when I took regular vitamins, not that I ever wanted babies, but it was just more bang for your buck. I should start taking them again, thanks for the reminder.
C.A. Peterson
Hi, there, Brit. You have been missed and thought of though I did not send you email or check up on you. I keep you and Duncan in my daily prayers when the Lord and I take a “walk around the world” to “visit” lots of folks I know, and you have been remembered more than forgotten.😉Good to know you are still on the planet doing all right.❤️&🙏, c.a.
Brittany
Hello friend! Thank you so much for the kind words and continual prayers. I am honored to be in your visits!
Emily B
So happy to see you back in blog land but sorry to hear about your health troubles. Congratulations on running your Half! You did an amazing job with all that training on low iron. I’m sure you’ll be back feeling ready to hike this summer! Look forward to reading about those beautiful big spaces.
Brittany
Thank you friend. It felt good to write again!
Atheria
First off, I’m so glad to see Little looking so good and healthy. He would put one paw up if he learned I now have TWO all black cats…Mizu and Lyra Faye. Bleu, my beautiful Siamese, passed away on April 3rd and I miss him terribly…but he’s with Chakra again. Regarding iron, I knew that taking calcium with your iron supplement can inhibit absorption and that at unknown bleeding ulcer could cause low iron, but some of the things mentioned here I did not know about. RUNNING can lower iron! https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-iron-level-causes-8662541 I’ve been vegan for eons and have never been low in iron. I do take basic supplements though and actually cut back on iron as I haven’t gotten periods in many years and 18 mgs a day was too much. I do hope you can figure this out and feel better soon. Washington is soooooo gorgeous!
Brittany
Ohhh I am so sorry and sad to hear about Bleu. He was such a beautiful kitty, and he had a wonderful life. You’re a great cat mama and all your babies are so blessed to have you. I’m happy to hear you found another black kitty to accompany Mizu. That pain never quite goes away.
I would have never guessed running could cause iron issues. It wasn’t until I started researching low iron AND running, in an attempt to find better ways to keep running while dealing with this that I read it can also cause it. Everything started to make sense in ways. I am hopeful when my periods stop it will help too, although mine are not heavy, every bit of loss counts I suppose. I’m currently taking 50-65mgs every other day or so. Fingers crossed for some upward movement at my next bloodwork check.
Atheria
I’ve lost 4 kitties (since having my own) and it never gets easier. He was only 14 but he was vomiting horrendous amounts of blood. 😦 He could no longer eat. Take your iron with high vitamin C!
Brittany
Poor baby. I know he had been having some vomit issues for a while, and 14 is still a senior baby. He gave you a good life. At that point it’s doing a kindness for him to keep him from suffering, I know you tried everything you could. Big hugs for your loss, I felt like I was on that journey with you for a short time the past few years. I’ve only lost one as an adult so far. When Little goes I can’t get another cat for a while, I will be too broken.
I take a 1000mg vit c pill alongside the iron! I was originally taking a combo pill, but I don’t think it was enough vit c.
samstarbucks
Welcome back dear Britt! I was about to check on you too as I just recently checked your blog and realized it’s been half a year. Time flies!
So sorry to hear about your struggles, though. I had the iron deficiency happen to me a couple of years back. The doc found out when checking my blood when I wanted to register for a marathon. The dic told me I was terribly low on iron and I had to have two infusions (after the marathon). I did not feel different as I did not feel depleted or tired before. However, my best friend had the same thing and had her blood checked after I mentioned my deficiency. She was always tired and irritable and had troubles concentrating. After the infusions she felt like a new person, so it actually does help.
Since neither of us eats a lot of red meat or high quantities of beans and such we are bow stuck with taking iron supplements which does keep the levels where they should be.
This said, it’s good you have a follow-up with your doc – you’ll handle this!
All the best to you and Little – I missed you both (and ever reliable Duncan).
Brittany
Hello friend! I’m amazed to discover how many of us have been dealing with/have dealt with iron issues. If I didn’t have other issues that caused fatigue I’d have taken this a lot more seriously, but it’s been off the charts lately so I’m thankful to have a path forward!
I have been reading about some people who ended up needing infusions, and the doc I’ve seen is very supportive so I’m thankful all options will be on the table. I anticipate supplements will be in my rotation indefinitely as well with semi regular blood work. I don’t ever want to get back to this level of low, it’s miserable! 🤪
I hope you’re doing well, always good to see your name pop up in the comments. ❤️❤️
Duncan
Even though you didn’t post much, this was an awesome year, I’m looking forward to more experiences and adventures in the future! Xoxo
Brittany
Thanks love. XxOo
niall
Welcome back! Be proud of that run, it’s a lot more than most (including me!) have done 😊 Happy 18th Little, did he get a key to the house? 🥳
Brittany
He gets a key to everything! House, car, my heart…LOL.
MaryBeth
yay welcome back!! although we stay in touch, still love these snippets into your life in WA. Love you, friend.
Brittany
Awww how nice to see a comment from you! Any chance of a blog post from you…?👀🤣❤️
Allie Zottola
I was so, so happy to see this post pop up! I was thinking of you a few times the past few months and wondering how your hikes were and if Little was living his best life as usual!
I know how low iron feels and it feels a w f u l. I struggled with low hemoglobin (like a 9?), low ferritin (a 3!!), and all the other classic markers. I took Floradix liquid iron, which tasted baaaaad but was helpful. I ended up having over 10 iron infusions and those actually did the trick! I had two types of infusions (a safer one while pregnant, and a more “risky” one just before getting pregnant with Dakota.
Anyways, whatever route you take, I’m glad you know what is causing the fatigue. I know it’s no joke! I hope you can see and feel improvement soon! If you ever want to chat all things anemia, let me know because I feel like I could write a book on it 🤣🤣
Brittany
I 10000% remember you getting an iron infusion while pregnant. I remember reading that post and being squeamish at the idea, and now I’ve been looking into them more because if it comes down to it I’ll do anything!
I’m curious what the difference was between the risky vs non risky one was…that sounds…scary. I’m crossing my fingers the supplements will help, it’s so hard to tell. My ferritin was at 20, which after doing a lot of reading most people are saying they didn’t feel much difference until their ferritin was at 40-50 and up. Some saying it needs to be closer to 90-100! To have a ferritin of THREE!? Girl how did you survive taking care of kids at that time. You’re a warrior.
I’m glad you’re on the other side. I hope to be there with you soon! Thanks for the comment, always love to hear from you and I’ve been slowly catching up on all the posts I’ve been missing of yours!
Allie Zottola
Dude, I was squeamish at the idea of it, too!!!! It freaked me the freak out. I will say, they helped a ton after a few weeks!
The super safe one was iron sucrose (Venofer is the brand name I think) and was safe while pregnant and had fairly minimal side effects.
The more “risky” one was iron dextran (INFeD is the brand) and I believe it comes with more risk for severe allergic reactions. When I had this infusion, I had to have an IV steroid before they did a tiny test of the iron. Once I had the steroid, a small “push” of the iron and didn’t have a reaction, they were able to run the full IV course for a couple of hours. After that, I had to wait at the hospital for a little just to be sure I didn’t have a reaction still and they were like “Call us if anything is weird in the next 24-48 hours.” The good thing about this infusion was that I just had to have one and it fixed my iron (until I got pregnant and Dakota stole it all haha). The other infusions, I’d have to have like 5 during each pregnancy and 5 after. I believe the Venofer was 200 mg and the INFeD was 900 mg?
I’ll try and find my blog posts on them now!
https://livingmyfulllife.com/2024/06/14/what-an-iv-iron-dextran-infusion-is-like/
https://livingmyfulllife.com/2022/07/12/iv-iron-infusions-during-pregnancy-and-my-experience-with-severe-anemia/
https://livingmyfulllife.com/2018/12/07/fifth-iron-infusion-a-girls-day/
https://livingmyfulllife.com/2022/06/11/pregnancy-diary-june-8th-early-glucose-and-anemia-testing/
I’m sure there’s more in the archives, too! Anyways, if your doctor is on board and supplements aren’t working as quickly as you’d like, I wouldn’t hesitate to do infusions!
Brittany
Thank you! I was curious why people wouldn’t just choose the safe one, but makes sense that one is MUCH quicker and more powerful. I know everyone I’ve read who has done it was so jazzed they did. It was a game changer for them. Thanks for the links too!
Do you get your levels checked more frequently just to be sure you’re at a consistent level? Or is it more if you start to feel off you’ll go in?
Allie Zottola
Yes, that’s exactly how the doctor explained it to me!
I *should* get my levels checked more frequently but I’ve been kinda lazy about it! I know the feeling (you know… your heart is pounding from walking up stairs, you need a nap every day, you’re pale, etc.) and when I feel that I know it’s time for a blood test 😂
Definitely let me know what you end up doing or how things play out (if you want to!)!
Brittany
GIRL! The heart pound is going to be the death of me!!! I thought that symptom was getting better, but I woke up this morning and it was so intense. It was happening to me every morning (as well as walking up the stairs LOL), and even just sitting doing nothing. It’s awful.
I will absolutely keep you in the loop. I’m mostly looking forward to making it through work without wanting to cry from exhaustion. 😅 my days off are much easier going, but work is kicking my booootay.
Allie Zottola
YES!!! I can vividly remember lifting my (children’s size!!!) bow and arrow to shoot an arrow in our back yard and need to catch my breath and seeing my heart rate skyrocket hahaha. It’s alarming, isn’t it?!
Definitely keep me in the loop. Hang in there!
walkwithme413
So glad to read from you again! I love your posts, and was experiencing a similar writing dearth. Just didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t write. Perhaps we just go through those seasons…? Hope you feel better soon…
Brittany
Thank you so much for the kind words! It definitely takes the joy of writing away when it feels forced. I suppose we have to flow with those seasons.
Rosie
I can relate. Sometimes life happens, and the blog takes a back seat. Looks like a very scenic half marathon. Maybe a blessing in disguise that you didn’t have to share the course with too many people!
Brittany
I LOVED the route of this half. I am glad I ended up doing it (though in the moment I wasn’t so sure haha.) It was amazing having some sections to myself, even just with people there to walk the park. Running through the downtown city was also so great. Little Bavarian paradise.
gpavants
Brittney,
Good to hear from you. Glad alli is good. I was wondering how your were and your miracle kitty were doing. Glad you all are well and have Happy Fourth.
Thanks, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com