Iron infusions - wanted y'all opinions

I'm diligent in getting my labs done.  In December all was fine and everything still is good except for the old iron that has bitten me in the ass.  My ferritin dropped 50% since December and iron sat % is 17 now, TBIC through the roof (sorry I don't have my labs in front of me).  H&H are fine also.

My PCP and I were going to try aggressive iron supplementation for 6 weeks and retest.  I'm just so exhausted and going through lots of stress right now so in communicating with him yesterday we've decided to proceed with infusions now.

I'm scheduled beginning tomorrow for 5 infusions of Venofer.  I know some of you have had infusions, can you tell me how quickly you felt better?  As a single (and OLDER) mom, I am constantly running with my boys for their activities and working full time.  I just don't have time to feel bad. 

I was very pleased with the infusions.  I felt a bit better walking out of the clinic.  Over the next couple of days, noticed that I was more interested in doing stuff, because I wasn't exhausted to begin with.
I've been very fortunate, in that the infusions are without any difficulties for me.  The first time, the people at the clinic ran the Venofer in very slowly, but after that, were able to get me in and out of there within an hour.
I wish you a very easy time of it, and that you feel the positive effects right away!

(edited for spelling: infustions--sheesh!)

I have had three infusions of Infed (3 months apart) because of my post-op complications and what not.  It is hard to tell what made me feel better, the iron or the change in appetite.  But I would schedule a night shift (7p-7a) the night before with my iron infusion scheduled for 8AM...I have trouble sleeping during the day, so I would take advantage of the Benadryl pre-med they give with the iron and just DIE in the infusion center, roll over, eat a little lunch, then crash again, ready to roll home about 3PM.  Then, retest iron studies 3 weeks later.  I was trying to avoid the oral iron supplements with these infusions (why take an (expensive) pill with side effects every day if I can just get a (relatively) free drip every 3 months, right?)  Well, my levels were  a smidge low before my last infusion, I thought I would be fixed with one more treatment, but......I just had my labs done, and my numbers dropped again.  So, I am going to do the Proferrin Forte daily without an infusion this go round to see if that does the trick.  Am I rambling? 

 P.S. - Be careful, I have seen some ugly reactions with IV iron, I was tempted to turn down the pre-meds because I do not like how IV Benadryl makes me feel for days afterwards, but I relented. 

Benadryl munchies are NOT fun with the DS.  Its like sex on Zoloft.....the craving is there but you are never able to get to where you want to go.  LOL

Thanks, Dusting. Hope I don't get benedryl appetite LOL.

My infusions last an hour and are Ferrlecit.  The Venofer is an iron/sucrose solution that can cause some blood sugar issues for some. I did not know it could be given in an hour.  My hemotologist told me it's a 4-5 hr infusion and he avoids it because some of the possible side effects.

Hugs,
Ratkity

Thanks!

My understanding is it's an "IV push" which takes less time.  Interesting on the blood sugar issues I haven't had put a couple of low sugar episodes but will make sure I bring peanut butter crackers in case.

I did read the Venofer is an iron/sucrose solution.

Hi Cajun!  I love, love, love my infusions!  I get iron dextran.  After the first one I felt better the next day, but my doc says it takes about 2 weeks for levels to rise.

Good luck, Jenny

I've had 3 Venofer infusions twice now.  TOTALLY no side effect, no Benadryl - just an hour and out (the first time it was done over two hours to make sure no reaction).

I wish I could say I felt wonderful afterwards, but I didn't feel ANY differently.  On the other hand, I didn't have any physical symptoms of iron deficiency - I was getting them because my ferritin was getting low.  I was just hoping it would make me feel even more wonderful, but it didn't.

My infusionist said Venofer has the LEAST side effects.