Brian’s fitness journal after a brain stroke
Today’s adventure involved meeting a new doctor, a hematologist for managing anemia and kidney health after a stroke. After breakfast, I prepared myself for the short but slightly ceremonial journey to the medical complex via Uber.
This appointment began with my nephrologist. During my last visit, he informed me that my red blood cell count had dropped. That immediately reminded me of the year I had my brain stroke, when my blood levels also fell dramatically.
For years, I assumed the low blood count came from the blood loss during the stroke. Apparently, that explanation was only part of the story. This time, the culprit seems to be my kidney condition.
When I mentioned this to my wife, she looked noticeably worried—though she tried not to show it too much.
Since my stroke, she has quietly retired me from driving duties. My reaction speed is slower now, and she prefers not to gamble with traffic physics. It was not possible for my wife to take me to the clinic. She is deep in the middle of a financial audit, which in accounting terms means time no longer belongs to the accountant.
So Uber became my transportation department for the day.
I arrived about fifteen minutes early and began the famous new patient questionnaire, which turned out to be less of a form and more of a short autobiography. Nearly an hour later, I finished writing what felt like my complete medical history.
Naturally, once I completed it, the medical assistant brought me into the exam room and asked all the same questions again.
Apparently, redundancy is a cornerstone of modern medicine.
Eventually, the doctor arrived. After reviewing everything, he told me it sounded like I had been managing my overall condition quite well. The next step would likely involve treatment to stimulate red blood cell production, depending on what the latest blood tests show.
After the consultation, I went downstairs for the inevitable blood draw. Medical visits often feel like a carefully choreographed sequence: talk about blood, then provide blood.
Now the plan is straightforward. In about two weeks, I will return, and they will likely give me an injection to help boost red blood cell production. After that, they will monitor how well the treatment works.
This is not entirely new territory for me. About ten years ago, I received similar injections for several months when my blood count dropped. This time, the treatment will probably last longer. I will likely visit the hematologist twice a month until May.
Not exactly my favorite social activity—but necessary.
At this point in my health journey, I try to approach these things calmly. One appointment, one test, one treatment at a time. Medicine, much like life, often works best when handled step by step.