Hi Dena,
I had my first bloodletting done 3 weeks ago, they manually sucked 24 syringes (600cc) of blood out of my port. I had the port placed because my veins are so tiny, hidden and invisible, and this way it eliminates the constant poking. I was really happy that the doctor suggested it!
The actual event lasted an hour, I felt fine throughout and after. I was concerned that I would be dizzy or light headed, or my hemoglobin would crash immediately, but over all I have been feeling fine, although I think the hemoglobin dropped just a bit. But I have an appointment again tomorrow and it will be interesting to find out where the ferritin level is now?
All the best to you
Tii - 37, MDS, T-cell leukemia. (BMT 12/2012) sister donor.