Iron transfusion because of mega iron deficiency-anyone have this experience?
Hey BAF,
Well today I got a big what in the world shock from my bariatric pa. My blood work came back and my iron is extremely low the range should be between 15 and 55 and mine was 5! So I've got to now get one or more t(maybe 7 ) transfusions. So of course I started freaking out about it. Have my first appointment Dec. 29 and then I will find out how many more times I will need to have them.
I have been taking the Celebrate iron 30mg and now she said to up that to 60mg. I was anemic before the surgery, but seemed to get it up a bit over time. I have started to eat Talapia for the protein, but other than than it's an all vegetarian diet. I eat my high protein items-tofu, temph, and other veggie proteins. I've even gone online and looked up foods/veggies high in iron.
Are there any BAF members who have gone through these iron transfusions? It would be great to know what to expect, side effects and such. I have looked online and done some research, but wanted to actually here it from some BAF folks,
Thanks in advance.
Andrea
Well today I got a big what in the world shock from my bariatric pa. My blood work came back and my iron is extremely low the range should be between 15 and 55 and mine was 5! So I've got to now get one or more t(maybe 7 ) transfusions. So of course I started freaking out about it. Have my first appointment Dec. 29 and then I will find out how many more times I will need to have them.
I have been taking the Celebrate iron 30mg and now she said to up that to 60mg. I was anemic before the surgery, but seemed to get it up a bit over time. I have started to eat Talapia for the protein, but other than than it's an all vegetarian diet. I eat my high protein items-tofu, temph, and other veggie proteins. I've even gone online and looked up foods/veggies high in iron.
Are there any BAF members who have gone through these iron transfusions? It would be great to know what to expect, side effects and such. I have looked online and done some research, but wanted to actually here it from some BAF folks,
Thanks in advance.
Andrea
I have had iron infusions off and off for years (before and after surgery) because I become very anemic from time to time. It takes about 30 minutes for the IV drip. No side effects to me it was not a major ordeal even though I don't like needles. Drink plenty fluids to make sure you are not dehydrated so that they can find a vein Because I got the infusions at the same location that people get chemotherapy I felt fortunate that my only problem was anemia and I did not complain.
Continue to eat veggies high in iron such as spinach. "Dried beans and dark green leafy vegetables are especially good sources of iron, even better on a per calorie basis than meat. Iron absorption is increased markedly by eating foods containing vitamin C along with foods containing iron."
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm
Good luck & don't worry its not a major ordeal it just takes time.
Continue to eat veggies high in iron such as spinach. "Dried beans and dark green leafy vegetables are especially good sources of iron, even better on a per calorie basis than meat. Iron absorption is increased markedly by eating foods containing vitamin C along with foods containing iron."
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm
Good luck & don't worry its not a major ordeal it just takes time.
Change is a Process Not an Event
Pokerchips,
THANK YOU!! for your response!! I read that about the vitamin c also. So I've got list of veggies and foods high in iron that I will make my meals with. I'm there with the needles, since they can never find a vein and when they do it works for a bit then blows.
I'll be sure to get my water up and will check the link out next. Thanks again,
Andrea
THANK YOU!! for your response!! I read that about the vitamin c also. So I've got list of veggies and foods high in iron that I will make my meals with. I'm there with the needles, since they can never find a vein and when they do it works for a bit then blows.
I'll be sure to get my water up and will check the link out next. Thanks again,
Andrea
I am anemic...never did the iron infusions and really would not want to...I don't even take my iron pills ~ducking~ but I eat raw baby spinach almost daily...~on a salad~ I also add those nassy ass lentils and ish to my salad...I eat BEEF for my iron's sake ~tehhheeee~...and I found me a cast iron skillet on Amazon.com...Liver is great, but I ain't able to do it...I tried...just ~gag~ can't do it! All my suppers and lunch have a green leafy veggie!
I focus not on my disabilty; my focus is on my ABILITIES.
(Dedee, 2009)
My hearing impairment ENABLES me, not disables me.
(Dedee, 2008)
~Dedee
Andrea -
I was referred to this post/forum by the DS'ers because I've had iron infusions, so while I don't typically post here, I figured I would post my experience for you.
My iron levels were extremely low last year, including ferritin levels that didn't even register (when the low end of the scale is 0.5). I ended up having four iron infusions (brand: Venifer) a week apart. It was really easy. Infusions are often done at the same facility that chemo is done (so don't be scared if they refer you to a cancer clinic), because the nurses there are VERY experienced in finding veins, and delivering infusions.
There are several types of iron infusions available. They chose Venifer for me because I have a history of an anaphylactic reaction (sulfa drugs), and some people do have allergic reactions to standard iron infusions.
They sat me in a chair with two blankets from the heated towel cabinet, and I slept for an hour while the iron dripped into my system. The four infusions were done in September of 2008. Since that time, the ONLY iron I take orally is in my prenatal vitamins, and my iron levels are still stable.
I've been told it is likely that I will need periodic infusions to keep my levels up, but so far, I've been doing fine. I was also told to expect it could take several weeks for me to register a difference in how I feel, and I would say it probably took 5-6 weeks for me to feel good. I've had no negative reactions, and the only thing I've been told not to do is donate blood (no sense in taking iron out of my system via IV only to have to put it back in the same way).
--BT
I was referred to this post/forum by the DS'ers because I've had iron infusions, so while I don't typically post here, I figured I would post my experience for you.
My iron levels were extremely low last year, including ferritin levels that didn't even register (when the low end of the scale is 0.5). I ended up having four iron infusions (brand: Venifer) a week apart. It was really easy. Infusions are often done at the same facility that chemo is done (so don't be scared if they refer you to a cancer clinic), because the nurses there are VERY experienced in finding veins, and delivering infusions.
There are several types of iron infusions available. They chose Venifer for me because I have a history of an anaphylactic reaction (sulfa drugs), and some people do have allergic reactions to standard iron infusions.
They sat me in a chair with two blankets from the heated towel cabinet, and I slept for an hour while the iron dripped into my system. The four infusions were done in September of 2008. Since that time, the ONLY iron I take orally is in my prenatal vitamins, and my iron levels are still stable.
I've been told it is likely that I will need periodic infusions to keep my levels up, but so far, I've been doing fine. I was also told to expect it could take several weeks for me to register a difference in how I feel, and I would say it probably took 5-6 weeks for me to feel good. I've had no negative reactions, and the only thing I've been told not to do is donate blood (no sense in taking iron out of my system via IV only to have to put it back in the same way).
--BT
Six years postop. All co-morbidities are resolved. Lost 101lbs in 1st year. High wt: 277 Surgery wt: 260.7 Currently: 143lbs. I'm Blackthorne99 on MyFitnessPal.Click here to read my blog: Unicorns & Stranger Things
I had a really bad dip in my iron levels when I was pregnant. I had to have Venofer iron treatments once a week for 12 weeks.
I also had mine done at the local oncology center. My IV drips lasted 4 hours in the beginning, but gradually got shorter. I had a reaction to the transfusion so I was always given Benadryl first via IV.
Once you get them, you will feel 1000 times better.
I also had mine done at the local oncology center. My IV drips lasted 4 hours in the beginning, but gradually got shorter. I had a reaction to the transfusion so I was always given Benadryl first via IV.
Once you get them, you will feel 1000 times better.
Life is not about making it through the storm....but learning how to dance in the rain. 
Hi Andrea,
I was recently diagnosed with anemia and my surgeon has sent my physician a letter, requesting that I be placed on iron.
However, right now, they are looking at other stuff, due to an issue with my stomach - they are running tests to rule out a bleeding ulcer, which my doctor told me yesterday, would be the probable cause for the anemia.
I also have a history of an increased white blood cell count...which is being watched every 6 months in the hematology/oncology department of my hospital - I am sometimes very nervous when I go to see the hematologist because it is the place where cancer patients receive chemo - I truly feel for them every time I go. Fortunately, my last blood workup show a significant reduction of the white blood cells - which is good news...
I am praying for full recovery for you!
DD
DD
I was recently diagnosed with anemia and my surgeon has sent my physician a letter, requesting that I be placed on iron.
However, right now, they are looking at other stuff, due to an issue with my stomach - they are running tests to rule out a bleeding ulcer, which my doctor told me yesterday, would be the probable cause for the anemia.
I also have a history of an increased white blood cell count...which is being watched every 6 months in the hematology/oncology department of my hospital - I am sometimes very nervous when I go to see the hematologist because it is the place where cancer patients receive chemo - I truly feel for them every time I go. Fortunately, my last blood workup show a significant reduction of the white blood cells - which is good news...
I am praying for full recovery for you!
DD
DD
I choose to love myself, live life to the fullest, and encourage others to liberate themselves!
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