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What to expect from first venesection?

Posted , 7 users are following.

ellen23311
ellen23311

Hi, I saw my consultant for the first time since being diagnosed today, so I'm pretty excited to get going with treatment. In comparison to most people on this forum my levels are pretty low with ferritin only at 310 but at the same time I'm only 19 and dealing with this all by myself.

What should I expect from my first venesection? Will I get tired or will it just be like getting blood tests?

Thanks in advance, Ellen smile

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Chris8968
    Chris8968 ellen23311

    Posted

    They will probably take a pint out so it will be like donating blood. You may feel tired for a day or two. Plan on taking it easy at least the day you have it done. Have a good breakfast and hydrate well.
  • Mrs._Z
    Mrs._Z ellen23311

    Posted

    The good news is that your level is low -- so hopefully will not need as many venesections.  It is significantly different from a blood test as they will be removing about a pint of blood.  Everyone reacts a little differently, but you may feel a little fatigued afterwards.  My numbers were closer to a 1000 and needle fobic, so my Dr. fave me something to relax be prior to the venesection.  Therefore, my tiredness may have been attributed to the medication I took prior.

    Good luck, it's not all that bad when you put everything into perspective.

    • ellen23311
      ellen23311 Mrs._Z

      Posted

      How long do they take? My first one is scheduled at 3pm and I start work at 5pm, wondering if I should try and move my shift back a few hours
  • lynnsk1
    lynnsk1 ellen23311

    Posted

    My 1st vs was exillerating as I was so pleased to get started, I felt no different afterwards, but I've now had 17 vs and just get a little tired later that day or next morning I have a lie in. I was 2000 now I'm 600 so heading in the right direction. Glad you're diagnosed early as you can keep on top of it and good future. Applause to your doctor for recognising early. X

  • Tina_72
    Tina_72 ellen23311

    Posted

    Hi Ellen I get tired after my venesection but everybody is different eat a good breakfast/lunch and drink plenty fluid (not alcohol lol) beforehand  I just come home after it and rest for a wee while and drink plenty fluid afterwards too hope you get on fine keep me posted.
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