Time for another monthly dose of 50mcg epoetin. My kidneys can no longer produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. I was severely aneamic because of that.
Epoetin is a man-made hormone that has the same effect as EPO. My red blood cells have gone back to normal levels since I started on this therapy. From 8.7g/dL in April 2018, it has gradually increased to 13.8g/dL in October 2018.
Each dose comes in a syringe that can be self-administered. Wuan has been injecting me on the abdomen since last year. Each 50mcg dose costs RM111. It is a painless procedure where she pinches the skin and injects the solution. All is done in 5 seconds.