Iron Infusion tomorrow

Well my iron supplements haven't worked so the hematologist is sending me tomorrow for an iron infusion. UGH! They say it'll take six hours. OMGSH!!!!! I will definately have to pack a lunch and bring a BIG book!!!! Although I am so tired, perhaps once it's going, I'll be able to sleep through most of it. lol After that I'm getting dressed up for a big dinner party down in the city tomorrow night!! Woooo Hooooo something to look forward to after a downer of a day! Laurie

Laurie: good luck with that. I am curious...how did they come to the conclusion you needed that? I have been dealing with low iron (like 2) for a while, and wonder when they make the decision to do that. Take care Tracey

Tracey - well for me, it was a continual drop in levels since wl surgery. My ferritin was 71 three months after surgery, now it's down to 8. Ferritin is the iron stores, my store shelves are just about bare!!!! Can't keep going on like that, and since vitamins are not bringing it up, they're doing the infusion. FYI: my hemoglobin is only slightly low. Today is was 11.3 When I called my surgeon's office they said that I'm "fine" unless my hemoglobin falls to 5 or 6. When I told that to the hematologist, he said that where I'm at now is in the range of permanent damage. You may want to talk to your pcp about your iron levels. I don't know what level you have at a 2. They will want to know hemaglobin, ferritin, platelets... they all have to do with how your are doing overall with iron. Laurie

Laurie, good luck tomorrow with your infusion. I hope you are able to get your stores of iron back to normal levels and controlled. How do you have the energy to do all that you do? Maybe you can do the read a little, sleep a little ditty. I have become good at playing that game. Have fun at the dinner party, I bet you will look great. Positive vibes Megan

Hi Laurie! I know I'm a day late here, but I will be praying that all goes well with the infusion process and that you will feel so much better. And, HEY YOUNG LADY! Take it easy at the dinner party...you don't want to use up all the energy in one shot, ya know Just take good care of yourself, and sit and relax when you need to, okay? I'm so proud of you and happy for you...you have been through so much, and you just keep on going...the little energizer bunny (with no energy right now, but a wonderful smile and outlook). Bless your heart, Sweetie! Lizzie B

Hi Laurie, I'm a little late responding too, but wanted to let you know I had 5 iron infusions back a couple of months ago. It's a pain being there, but actually, my first one took the longest and after that they only took an hour or an hour 1/2. My hemoglobin is back up to 13.8 and my energy level is much better. He said that my red blood cell count was still low, but he wasn't as concerned about that. I've been released by the hemotologist back to my regular doctor and will jus****ch myself for signs that I'm not doing well energy wise and if I start crunching that ice by the gallon again, know to get in there and get my blood checked again. I'm sure glad I had it done....bring a book and hopefully you will be able to sleep. How many times do you have to go. I'll keep you in my prayers for good results. Jane/Howell