Iron Deficiency Anemia Iron infusions

http://www.venofer.com/HCP/HCPAbout_Treat.aspx

 

I wanted to share the link and algorithm.  I think this is brilliant.  I was previously seeing a Hematologist who had no real plan for my treatment.  He would shove a bag of Dextran into me, and say come back in 3 months.  I'd come back and my numbers would be better, but not within normal limits.  I'd still have anemia and he'd say come back in another 3 months.  OK, so that was my plan?  My treatment plan is BOTTOM out and come back? 

No.  I found a new doctor.  An internal medicine doc who works with many bariatric patients.  She started me on Venofer and we follow the treatment algorithm and have a PLAN to actually treat and maintain my iron levels within normal limits.  Some of you will use this information, and some of you won't.  I encourage you to use it and to stand up for yourselves without guilt or apology.  Sometimes, there is "shame" with our surgeries.  At least, that's what I have felt, but I am a shame based person.  I did this to myself.  I made this choice.  Therefore, what?  I'm not entitled to competent healthcare???????????

I currently appreciate my Internal Medicine Doctor and am so glad that I didn't stay with the hematologist. 

The algorithm is BRILLIANT.  :)

Hemoglobin

Ferritin

% Transferrin Saturation (TSAT)

Simple to follow, and gives 3 main indices to watch and test for.  Not acceptable levels?  REINFUSE. 

Just wanted to make sure we are advocating for ourselves. 

Hope all is well.

Can you believe I'm 5 years out January 2014 ?????????????????

 

FIVE YEARS! 

 

:)

Congrats on 5 years.  My 5th is on 2/25/2014.

  

:)  I will post more on my 5 year surgiversary! 

I knew we were similar dates.  Nice job on the loss!! 

Congrats on the 5 year mark approaching! I will also be at that mark in January.

Does Venofer raise your levels much? I got several infusions of Venofer and it barely did anything. I'm so confused as to why they didn't help me.

Venofer raised my levels higher then they have ever been before. Yet they were still borderline so she prescribed per the algorithm 5 more doses IV in 14 days 200mg per dose. I recheck 4 weeks post that last dose 5/5 on Dec 20th. We will see !  Ferritin should be above 100. TSAT should be 20% or above Hemoglobin 12-13. 

 

 

 

Thanks I've bookmarked this link. I'll find out in a couple of weeks what I'm doing re infusions.