In recent weeks, it has felt like I have been on a rollercoaster. At least, it feels like I think it would feel if I were on a rollercoaster. I do not believe that I have been on such a thing in my life.

The main reason for the rollercoaster feeling is that my Hæmoglobin has been going up and down but principally much lower than it ought to be. It is usual for dialysis patients to have hæmoglobin levels that are lower than the normal level in adults. But, in recent weeks, mine has been much lower than that.

Back when I was hospitalised recently, it was around 6.1, then it went up to 6.5, then to 7, and last week it was 7.5. Yesterday, my monthly blood tests for July were taken (albeit one week early), and I think many of us hoped that it would be up to 8 or at least up. This was not meant to be; it was back down to 7.1.

So, having spoken to the nursing team at my dialysis unit, I have learned that my Aranesp dosage will be increased from 60 to 80 from next week. This dosage increase should assist in increasing my hæmoglobin. Though it has already been increased from 40 to 60 in the last few weeks as well. The other practical change is that I will be going to dialysis by HSE taxi until the hæmoglobin is much higher as I don’t feel safe taking myself there and back.