Iron (Wo)man

I’ve had low ferritin (low iron stores in my blood) since my teens. Without iron, the body can’t make enough hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cells that lets them carry oxygen. Low ferritin commonly presents as general fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness. If you’re someone who menstruates heavily and/or do not eat meat and experience these symptoms, I recommend getting checked out!

Low ferritin that requires treatment is a level under 30 - mine was 12. I was able to get an iron infusion 5 years ago that helped tremendously. Since then, I have not kept up with iron pills/asked for another transfusion. Many reasons - I was dealing with other health issues and it wasn’t a priority, sometimes I convince myself I’m just a naturally sleepy person with exercise intolerance, but most of all, the pills have severe constipating side effects.

When I couldn’t get through the day without multiple naps, I decided I needed to address it. Otherwise, my health issues are very stable, so I figured that this must be the lingering piece. Following my blood test, my doctor told me to take iron pills, resulting in severe constipation and side effects I will not detail here. I requested an iron infusion as that previously raised my levels rapidly without gastrointestinal side effects. My doctor informed me that insurance wouldn’t approve it unless I was “basically actively bleeding out”. Out of pocket, iron infusions can run thousands of dollars. Even with my insurance, due to my high deductible it would likely be a couple of thousand dollars.

We all know health care in the US is broken. I’ve dealt with doctors all my life and have been lucky enough to have good insurance through my mom, great health care in Greece, and good insurance through my first job in Boston. However, my last job’s HDHP meant that a 15-minute neurologist visit was $500. An ultrasound to check the placement of my IUD - $400. My monthly medications are nearly $100 (which is far less than many people pay).

I had the immense privilege of taking time off from work and going on this trip. For me to access good, affordable healthcare, I had to exercise that privilege and become a medical tourist. In Singapore, I was able to get a consult and iron infusion (double dose) for $600, no insurance. I felt incredibly validated by the doctor, who was amazed that the doctors in the US didn’t immediately recommend an infusion given my level and symptoms.

It is sobering to realize that without my financial privilege, I would have to undergo years of iron pills and years of stomach pain and constipation, without even a fraction of the increase in my levels. My levels will rise over the next 2 months. I can’t wait for the increased energy I will have. I can’t wait to be able to get through the day without lying down. I can’t wait to be able to exercise without immense fatigue and headaches. Healthcare is a human right. I wish we viewed it as such in the US.