Iron Infusions?

Hi everyone, My iron level is low and continuing to drop.  Obviously, not very healthy for me or the baby that I'm carrying.

My surgeon, PCP and OB/GYN consulted with one another today and are sending me to a hematoligist this Friday.  They've mentioned everything from just taking Rx Iron, to checking to make sure that there's not a problem with my bone marrow (huh?), to having regular iron infusions done.

So, my question is, if you've suffered from very low iron (below 28), what did you/your doctors do?  Has anyone had iron infusions done?  Are they painful?  

I appreciate any and all input.
Thanks,
Taya

Taya I am so sorry.  Hematology is the best place to start.  I have been taking Repliva.  I can only take half a pill and then the other half the next day.  Iron kills in and I do not go to the bathroom for days and then pass out in the bathroom. It is great fun but that is another show. Ask about the Repliva it is RX and it really works for me.  Talk to the Hematologist about it, Blood is there job and they should know all the in's and out's of this drug. Keep us posted.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Kristen

Thanks Kristen!!  I'm adding this info to my binder that I take to all appts.

Taya:  How is your Vitamin B12?  I cannot speak as a bypass patient because I have not yet had the surgery.  However, I did have a problem with iron level at one time.  At the time, it really surprised me because I ate a lot of iron-rich foods.  Turns out that my B12 levels were also very low and (hopefully I remember this correctly), when B12 is low, it will zap your Iron.  So, for me, the answer was increasing my Vitamin B12 and it worked.  This was a relief for me because Iron supplements constipate me horrible on top of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Nothing like a volcano wanting to rupture and having a boulder sitting in the way!

Hi Pamela.  Thanks for chiming in.  That's an area that they are going to look at also.  I take the sublingual dots, but they are thinking that I may need to switch to shots to help.  I did extensive bloodwork yesterday, so we'll see what they say tomorrow about my B12 level.  I didn't realize the connection until yesterday.

I am running out the door but had to let you know. I did iron infusions for yrs. First they tried iron pills but they didn't work. Then they did iron infusions. The infusions usually last 1-1 1/2 yrs. It is just an IV for a few hrs.I did mine outpatient at the hospital. When I first started yrs ago it took 12 or more hrs .The last time it took less than 6 hrs and I haven't had it done sine I had my surgery so it has been a couple yrs. Apparently even though I couldn't  hold the pills and had to have the iron when I started eating right and exercising my iron has held. I just saw my hemotologist and I am ok. We are both amazed but the only thing that changed was my eating right and exercising a lot. If you ant any more info let me know but i have to run to the pool  yoga and then my personal trainer. Laurie

Thanks for the info Laurie!  Glad to hear that you were able to stop the infusions with a meal plan and exercise change.