@loribmt, and all...Yep, my own special reaction to the Reclast IV infusion on Tuesday. I was so pleased to finally address osteoporosis and bone issues that first developed when I was only 35, in the dark ages of medicine, there was no doctor in this area who knew how to treat it. I was told I'd be in a full body brace in 5 years, 7-10 years in a wheelchair. I flipped, fired the neurologist, told him NO, found a new neurologist in town, and began taking oyster shell calcium and exercise.

My ferritin and iron profile levels were crazy for several months, so my PCP referred me to Mayo Endo and Hematology to find answers and treatment. I wanted another iron infusion but we took a different direction.

The endocrinologist ordered a full-body nuclear scan and bloodwork, conferred with colleagues, and suggested Reclast to hopefully help relieve the increasing bone/muscle pain, slow the deterioration of multiple herniated discs and other issues, and prevent fractures with future falls that may lead to my demise. I fell several years ago, fractured the T12 vertebrae, and had a cementing procedure that gave me 15 years without pain able to function.

Ck the August Mayo Newsletter, the inside article, about my procedure. I'm hoping sharing this will relieve some concerns folks have about having this done. It was miraculous for me. The reporter was delightful, added an 's' to my last name, but was on target and told the story well. I'm honored and it was fun!

The Reclast was Tuesday afternoon. I enjoyed walking to the next building, taking pictures for you all, visiting the gift shop, and getting a couple of days' deli food before heading home to bed by 6. I was tired and getting achy. By 8, I was in full-body serious pain from the infusion.

Thinking it through, while in growing pain, I realized I wasn't having an allergic reaction...no tongue/mouth/throat swelling, and breathing ok on bi-pap and oxygen which made a huge difference, every bone and muscle was in severe pain, cramping, in spasms and tremors. I called Mayo at 3:30 a.m. to be sure I was correct. The on-call doc was great and assured me I was having a severe reaction that should last about 8-9 hours. She urge hydration-drank 5/16 oz bottles of filtered water I thankfully keep in an extra bedroom upstairs with other drinks and food. That saved me as I could barely turn over or walk at all during this. After 2 sleepless nights, 3 painful days, and slow improvement, I'm ok now, pleased I had the infusion, and hoping to see bone and pain improvement. I look forward to the next 2 annual infusions extending my time and quality of life.

The hematologist put me on a different iron supplement that is GI/digestion-friendly and has
brought into more normal ranges my iron profile numbers. I'm thrilled! This was a serious issue that this wise doctor addressed with me and we are resolving the problems together.
Once again, Mayo makes life better, safer and so it goes...

Glad you enjoyed the pictures. It's a lovely atrium, yes, the grand piano is one of several that bring us all such pleasure, along with the architecture, the artwork, the lovely grounds, and the help given.

Hope you are well, Lori, and enjoying your wonderful lake home. Blessings, Elizabeth