u/sailormarsbutchonky

My work schedule recently changed to second shift so I now find myself with my weekday mornings open. I would be interested in finding somewhere to volunteer on weekday mornings. Does anyone know of anywhere in the city that needs volunteers in the mornings (8:30am-noon)?

Preference for places near West Philly/ University City/ South Philly/ CC/ North Philly. Northeast and Northwest would be too far out of my way.

Thank you!

Hello everyone! Recently got a ferritin reading of 7 and met with a hematologist to talk about infusions. I just got an iron infusion with INFeD today about 8 hours ago. Wanted to share about my experience!

My hematologist discussed the different options with me, including supplementation and diet modifications. After sharing about different infusion options I chose to go with INFeD simply because of the convenience. INFeD requires only one infusion appointment.

I arrived to my appointment at about 8am and was seated in a very comfy chair with a warm blanket, heated seat option, and snacks by about 8:40am. After checking my vitals and giving me some Tylenol the nurse got my IV set up with an initial dose of Benadryl and a steroid. After about an hour or so of that I then received a small test dose of the iron. After about 30-60 minutes of receiving that and being under observation I received the full INFeD infusion.

The full infusion took about an hour. Other than feeling a little pokey pain at the IV needle site I felt no discomfort. I did get a little sleepy and woozy from the Benadryl which the nurse had warned me about so I did drift off to sleep a few times.

After the infusion ended I sat around for about 5 more minutes and then used the bathroom and left. I sat in my car for about ten more minutes to eat another snack and drink some water and then drove home.

Once I got home I took a two hour nap. I just ate a big burrito.

So far everything is going well and I have no negative side effects.

I will try to update as the days progress.

I know there is a lot of scary stuff on the Internet about iron infusions, especially INFeD, so I just wanted to share my positive experience.

48 Hour Update: I continue to feel fine. I was a little tired yesterday and mostly stayed home, but was able to go on a long evening walk and get some organizing done around my apartment. Today I went on a long midday walk and felt totally fine. I haven't experienced any iron rash or iron flu or any other symptoms really. I haven't noticed a marked improvement in fatigue yet either. Grateful to so far be having an easy time with it!

Hi! Is anyone in Philadelphia, PA?

Would anyone like to get together to read and discuss the Pope's new encyclical on Artificial Intelligence? I'm interested in reading it when it comes out in a few days and would love to have others to discuss it with in person!

Hello good people of Philadelphia,

Would anyone like to get together to read and discuss the Pope's new encyclical on Artificial Intelligence? I'm interested in reading it when it comes out in a few days and would love to have others to discuss it with!