The "dreaded" iron infustion

Good morning ladies! I just wanted to post this in case anyone else has to go through an iron infusion. It was NO PROBLEM! I had myself all worried for nothing. It was no worse than any other I.V. and it turned out to be about 5 hours of forced relaxation. I actually watched a whole movie!!! (The Illusionist--not terrible.) In all, I watched one whole move, napped for about an hour and a half, watched half of another movie (Music & Lyrics) and read some in a magazine. I NEVER have time for movies! My two daughters and granddaughter went with me and visited the zoo and Trader Joe's while I was in treatment, and I took them to dinner afterwards, so everyone had a pretty good day. My arm is a bit bruised, but it's nothing I can't handle. In the future----and there WILL be a future---I will be able to drive myself and not bother anyone. The reason there WILL be a future is they say that we (bypass patients) do not absorb iron, so anemia is to be watched for carefully and infusion is the best way to replace it. I will have to do this every 6 months to a year depending on how long it takes my body to deplete this store. For the past month, I have been taking 28 mg of iron 3 times a day (recommended dose is 18 mg per DAY) along with vitamin C and my iron actually DROPPED, so I guess that proves the theory to be correct. Just wanted to let anyone know how it went in case you may face the same some day. Have a lovely day! Dawn

Did u have any symptoms that u were Iron deficient (sp?). I have been experiencing some weird symptoms and I am not sure what to think. thanks Tara

Dear Tara: The biggest symptom I have is being tired. Right after surgery, I felt great, TONS of energy. By 6-7 months, I started being tired again, almost the same as before surgery. I sometimes need a 15-20 minute nap at lunch time and feel ready for bed by 8:30 pm. I also have (killer) headaches which may or may not be related. My doctor says that I was not yet actually anemic, but the levels were dropping (from just below normal) and the oral supplementation was not helping. He also said that it could take a month or so for me to feel an energy boost. Some of the listed symptoms or iron deficiency anemia are: Pale skin color, extreme fatigue, irritability, pale skin, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, sore tongue, lightheadedness, and often cold hands and feet, brittle nails, decreased appetite (especially in children), headache - frontal. One other thing is "pica" or unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or pure starch. Some people with iron deficiency anemia experience restless legs syndrome -- an uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs that's generally relieved by moving them. Call your surgeon or PCP and have them check your iron, ferretin, CBC and hemocrit. Hope this helps, Dawn

WOW! I learned a whole lot just by reading your post!! I notice that I start feeling more tired when I need a B-12 shot....I get them every 2 months and I can tell by about 5 weeks - 6 weeks that I am in need of one! Thanks for the information and I am glad things went well for you!! Hugs, Holly