By: Carissa Lovvorn
Those who know me personally know that I am always on the go. Whether it’s spending time with my girls, caring for my family, volunteering, or working, I stay busy. Honestly, I often feel guilty when I need to rest. But lately, physical exhaustion has made this difficult.
For years, I’ve pushed my body to work through the fatigue, but it eventually reached a point where I simply couldn’t keep going. Over the past several months, I’ve been trying to get to the root cause of my worsening health problems. Test results revealed that my iron stores were severely depleted.
The remedy? An iron infusion. Relief washed over me as I imagined how much better I would feel after one treatment.
I came prepared for the three-hour appointment with my book, headphones, and a fuzzy blanket. I snuggled into the recliner and willingly held out my arm, ready for the IV.
The first part of the infusion process included steroids and an antihistamine to prevent any mild allergic reactions. During the wait after receiving those medications, I struck up a conversation with the woman sitting beside me. She was there for her second-to-last chemotherapy treatment and shared how excited she was for her final appointment just a few weeks away. We talked, laughed, and prayed together.
Then it was time for the iron.
The nurse administered a small test dose. As she injected the medication, I scanned my body for signs that something might be wrong.
About twenty seconds in, I sneezed. Then my throat began to itch…a lot. Within moments, my face flushed, eyes turned red and swelled, my voice changed, and the itching spread throughout my body. After receiving only a few milliliters, I had a severe allergic reaction to the medication, prompting immediate treatment to counteract the symptoms.
The doctor canceled the infusion and ordered a different type to be administered over the course of three weekly treatments. Just like that, my plans for a quick recovery disappeared.
Yes, I was disappointed. I wanted immediate results so I could get back to my old self.
After the nurse returned with my updated appointment schedule, my new friend smiled and said, “Wait, you’ll get to see me ring the bell!”
My third infusion had been scheduled for the exact same time as her final chemotherapy treatment. Knowing I would be there to celebrate with her changed my perspective. Suddenly, what felt like another setback became an unexpected gift.
When the day finally arrived, the bell rang out through the hallways. Tears streamed down her face as she proclaimed, “God is good! He brought me through.”
What a privilege it was to witness such a sacred moment. Sometimes we’re so focused on our own plans that we miss the purpose God has placed right in front of us. I’m thankful He opened my eyes to see that my delayed infusion wasn’t an inconvenience. It was a divine appointment. My prayer is that we all continue to seek God’s will and remain open to the moments He places before us.
Blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
