very low iron

Anyone have any experience with Iron infusions?  My ferritin is 5 and iron levell 11 (very low), and of course on top of that I am anemic...
My Doctor reccomends an IV infusion of iron...anyone had that done?  Unfortunately working as a nurse in intensive care I only see the worst of the worst, so the only peopel who I see with iron infusions dont tolerate it well.....
So I was wondering what happens in the world of non critically ill people?
And do you know if it is a multiple infusion thing?  or a one shot deal (the hematologist is squeezing me in so I havent had a formal appointment yet to ask these questions)
Thanks for your support
julie

Bummer - I don't know anyone who gets transfusions - hope someone can give you some info. Good luck!!

Best of luck - Like Lynn I have no helpful info. to offer but wanted to wish you the best luck !

Things always come in 3's ... I also don't know anything about infusions but wanted to send some ((((hugs)))) your way !!!

 Hey all...
I had my iron infusion the other day...although a timely process it was painless.  I met with the hematologist and he said his experience is that 2/3rds  of RNY patients have iron defifiency anemia...and reqire infusions because of the portion that gets bypassed is the area that absorbs the most iron.  Interesting eh?  I have to say there was not a whole lot mentioned preop about those stats...not that I would not have had the surgery...because not only do I have a new body (which I am still getting used to)...BUT i have met some WONDERFUL people that I  would not have met otherwise...so thanks my friends...
Julie

Woop woop!  Glad the infusion went A-OK !! :) 


We are so glad that we met you too !!!!!   

 I had similar lab numbers to yours and was sent for a series of 8 iron infusions at Lowell General.

The procedure was absolutely simple.. no pain, no problemsm relax in a chair for 40 minutes, then head out. No side effects.

HOWEVER, I received my bill a few weeks later and EACH OF THE EIGHT VISITS COST ME $75 plus 30% (BCBS Federal Basic) so the total for the bill was over $1100 for the series.

AND just to make it exciting, my follow-up labs at 30 days showed my levels dropping again, already. The doc's office said I would most likely require the infusions a few times a year.

I am trying iron supplements from Vitalady for now and trying to get in to the Lahey Bariatric Surgery Center to maybe have some thorough work-ups. I have several other medical complications, post-op.

Good luck with the cash outlay, but don't worry at all about the infusions.

So glad to hear it went well!! Lets hope your levels are now good and stay there!! I don't get my labs drawn for another 2 months. Hope I don't have any problems! Seems like a lot of people have something low?

So glad to hear it went well. Lets hope your levels are good now and stay there!