Anyone familiar with Iron Infusion?

My iron has been low for so long, that my PCP just informed me that I need Iron Infusions. She gave me the choice of going 2-3 times a week for several weeks, or having it all at once in an 8 hour session. But there is a rare risk of Anaphylactic Shock. I don't know what to do. I told my doctor I would prefer the 8 hr one just to get it over with and not be a pin cusion. But after discussing it with a co worker, she has me freaked out. Has anyone had this done? I would appreciate any input. Confused, Shelia

I know Dawn Sobers just went through this not long ago, try to contact her, she's usually on the main board but is from michigan. I have never heard of a doc doing this in one session, to me it's very dangerous. it's hard enough going through it in sessions, i can't imagine how awful you're going to feel doing it all at once. Think twice about this one. Hugs Linda

Hello Shelia, I don't have an answer for you, but I noticed you had your surgery the same time that I had mine. I would like to ask you if you noticed a different in how you felt with your iron being so low and/or did it just show up in your blood work. Also how much iron and what kind have you taken in the last 2 years. I often hear of people that are over 2 years out needing B12 shots and irion infusions. I only have my blood tested once a year so I am concerned on days that I feel tired or not feeling well and I wonder if it is low iron or B12. I sure don't want to run to the doctors every month. My last blood test was last month. Thanks, Janice

Janice, My iron has been low for quite a while. The iron pills don't absorb for me. They had me on 500 mg. My B12 was low at one point, but my PCP didn't mention it this time, so I assume it is fine. I haven't had a lot of energy lately, but just blamed it on being a working Mom. Not to mention just coming throught the busy season at work (post office) Then when my Grandmother died a few days before Christmas, that was the straw that broke the camels back. I was mentally and physically exhausted. My doctor gave me a week off and I spent 3 entire days sleeping. I was getting light headed, dizzy, getting short of breath, doing things I always do. Apparently these are all symptoms of low iron. Not to mention my cycle last month. I went from a normal 5-6 days to only 2 days. I have been feeling this way for so long, I guess I didn't realize it wasn't normal. I hope this answers some of your questions. You are welcome to email me privately, if you wish. Good luck, Shelia

Shelia My expereince is the quickest way is not always the best way. This 1 time session run do no walk away from for one your body will not store it all in 1 session. I've under gone 3 now 8 sessions 1 day a week for 8 weeks. It's an IV push I get it takes about 15 minutes works pretty well. However I'm still having issues I'm a very bad absorber of iron and B12. I find out again this next week If I need to do this again. Good luck *hugs* Dawn

I had the all in one iron infusion done a couple of months ago. First they gave me a "test run" to see if I was allergic. After 20 mins I had no reaction so they then gave me the full thing. Mine went just fine and I was soooo glad to get it over with in one day and one IV, but geeeeee was it ever BORING!!!!!!! It's a long day that way, you'll want to bring a book or something to do during that time. Hugs, Laurie

That is good to hear. I don't want to be a human pin cusion. I just want to get it all over with. They called today. I am scheduled for Tuesday. Everybody seems to be recommending the long term way, so it is good to hear something positive about the other way. Thanks, Shelia

Hi there, my sister needed iron infusions and she went I or 2 x week for several weeks, just make sure everything is streile,

I would go over time. kp