Ohh, Laura, I too keep myself way too much. It is good for my mentally healt, but not my physical health.
I had once again stopped chelation and immediately my hgb stays high for an extra week..... My body is strange. But when I work hard for two days straight, I savely can ramble that I sick the next day. So yes, that affects my hgb. I too have had one bag of blood for some time. I believe it was related to my Exjade intake, but once again I am an unique person.
I am sorry to hear about your father.
It must be very hard for your mother and you.
Do not quit politics, but do start to treat yourself more nicely. This year's resolution is more hot and long baths for me. I also released myself for a though job (get on track with my archives;))
Bueno suerte with every aspect of your live <3