Has anyone had an iron infusion? I will need one

Hi there-

My surgeon wants me to have an iron infusion based on my pre-op labwork. Has anyone had one? How long does the whole process take (the actual infusion)? I've called to schedule the infusion but had to leave a message-otherwise I'd ask the office staff. The office is probably closed since it's New Year's Eve.

Anyway-for some strange reason-this makes me feel better-validated. I have been so tired and I just figured it was because of my weight and because I'm always on the go.  I told my hubby today that I'm not crazy (or lazy)--I really AM tired! Now I know why!

For those who have had an iron infusion-did you feel much better afterwards?

Thank you so much for your help!

Pam :)

 

Hi Pam. I did not have to have an infusion but was wondering if you are still going to use Dr. Nick? When is your surgery scheduled for? Good luck with everything!

Hi there-I am going with Dr. Joseph Kuhn. He is closer to me geographically and I was so impressed by him and his staff. I loved Dr. Nick, too! He really spent a lot of time with me during my first consultation.

I am meeting with Dr.Kuhn again on Friday to go over my upper gi results.  I am thinking we will talk surgery dates then. I am a teacher so I'm hoping to back it up to my Spring Break-perhaps late February.I am so excited!!

Well, best wishes and I hope you get your iron levels under control. I know how tired it can make you and if I remember right you have small children. That is enough right there to wear you out!!

Keep us posted on your date!

I've been getting iron infusions for years now. They are ok but hard on the veins. They will give you Tylenol and Benedryl to offset any reactions. Depending on your veins, determines how long the infusion takes. If you have any questions, I'm willing to answer. I too live in the Dallas area.

Sometimes you will feel a lot better. It just depends on how low your hemoglobin and iron is. Sometimes, it can take several infusions. It takes a couple of days to feel it.

Thank you for the info! Did you not need the infusions until after surgery? I'm pre-op so I'm surprised that I need one.

Pam :)

No, I started receiving them about 5 years before surgery bc I have Crohn's and my blood supply won't build to sub sufficient level without it.

Thank you! One more question-are you sleepy from the Benadryl? Can I drive myself home or should I get someone?

Pam :)

Hi Pam,

My daughter has iron infusions regularly.  she has end stage renal disease and back on the transplant list.  Unfortunately with kidney disease so many other organs are effected and it wreaks havoc on the entire body.  But we have anemia in our family and I am regularly anemic also.  When she gets really low on iron she is just exhausted all the time and cold all the time which we live in Conn. and it's c-c-c-old here.  The iron infusion takes roughly 45min - 1 hour total.  Nothing big, she has it done in the dr.'s office.  After her round of iv's (insurance pays for 4 infusions -- 1 per month) then she follows up with just iron shots monthly to keep her up there. "Aranesp" I is what it is called and what she takes; however cannot remember the spelling.  She takes those shots until her iron drops too low again, then she starts all over again with the iv's. 

It will take more than 1 infusion I believe to make you feel better especially if your iron is so low that you require infusion.  But you WILL feel better once the iron has been replenished.  My daughter gets some relief especially with being cold and I can tell when her iron is up there close to normal and when it's down again. Has your doctor suggested and iron study to determine how or why your iron got so low?  Anyway, hope this helps.

 

Kim :)