In addition to the prescription for iron, I also got a referral to hematology and for a colonoscopy/endoscopy. I didn’t suspect I had any internal bleeding that would be causing the anemia; I had no signs. But Rose told me sometimes you can have a “slow leak” and not even be aware of it. Plus, I was over 50 so it was time for a colonoscopy anyway. I called for an appointment and was told the first opening for a consult was in November–five months away. FIVE MONTHS. You’d think I’d be used to this by now.
My PCP also said he might refer to me to urology, which to me didn’t make any sense. How about nephrology? He wanted to wait until after I had the colonoscopy.
I had better luck scheduling with the hematologist and got an appointment in September, three months after I called. She was great. She was a nurse practitioner who had worked in oncology for many years then switched to hematology, which she said was much more challenging. I told her of my doctor’s suggestion of going to urology but she was confused by that as well. Instead, she ordered blood work and also submitted a referral for a nephrologist. I practically begged the scheduler for nephrology to get me in as soon as possible. He actually bumped another patient back and got me an appointment in 5 weeks, near the end of October.
Hemoglobin: 8.8
Low, Low, Low 