Iron Infusions?

It's been a long long while since I've posted on the boards.... I am a 5 year post op (September 19, 2005) and still very successful in my weight loss... What brings me here today is....I have a question and I am hoping someone here has some insight or similar experiences.  I've been severly anemic and known about it for about 6 months now.  My doctors etc... knew my hemogolbin was low, but no one really dug into the reasoning until this past summer when my doctor dug into my ferratin levels and saw that they were 0.  After trying to correct it through oral supplements 300 mg per day my levels only raised to 2.. so on Wednesday I am getting my first IV Iron Infusion.  My real question is ... are there side effects?  How long until iron levels are restored to normal?  How often do you have to get them done?  My hemotologist has said that I will likely have to have infusions at some frequency for the rest of my life.  We just need to spend the next year or so figuring out just how often.  I also have a serious issue with hair loss which is most likely connected to my anemia, did anyone else have experience with hair growing back?   I am just a little anxious and excited all at the same time as to what to expect and hoped someone had some insight!  THanks all!

Hi Katie,
I for one have missed you. How the heck have you been other than the anemia? I also have been diagnosed as being severly anemic. I am seeing a Hematologist every 2 weeks this just started this month since I was hospitalized to UTI and kidney infection. I am happy that I was able to find the answer to why my energy level has been so down but I never knew that hair loss is associated with iron levels. I am getting something called Arnesp every 2 weeks at the hematologist until my iron levels are where they need to be.

I was on procrit injections in the hospital which they were giving me every other day. The iron infusions are no big deal from what I understand. Not sure about the side effects but I will say that I was told by the hematologist that I would have to be monitored for my iron levels for the rest of my life. Sorry I am sure this is not the answer you were looking for but better to be at the hematologist office who will make you at least feel better. Take care of yourself and pose these questions to you doctor.

I've been good... very very busy.  I took a new job which required me to move to Maine in July of this year and subsequently I work almost non-stop... I am one of the project managers for a company doing a major utility project for most of the state of Maine... needless to say all of the stress and time at work has just been magnified by the anemia.  From what I can tell I think it's been something that's been going on for years... and for whatever reason wasn't caught or diagnosed.  I'm glad that I am finally getting this all taken care of but just don't know what to expect.  I am going for an initial 4 hour appointment on Wednesday, to be followed up with labs and another visit in a month and take it from there to figure out just how often I need the infusion.  I admittedly haven't been on the boards in a long time but I don't remember reading about anemia being a problem with WLS patients... so it's sort of nice to know I'm not alone.  I guess its a pretty common issue.  I wish us all luck :)  I've been asked several times if I'd still do the surgery now knowing what I know now... and I always say yes... just a little bump in the road! 
I hope you're doing well... I do miss the meetings and being a little more active on the board... but work dominates for right now :(

Hi there.

I get regular Iron infusions. I've been doing it for most of my adult life due to a hereditary blood disorder I have.

They really are no big deal. No pain, no side effects for me. More of a pain to sit there than anything. Levels should look better within 1-3 weeks, depending on the kind of iron you are getting and the amount.

Good info!  I was more worried that I might feel sick or weird after the infusion.. or it might leave me feeling "out of it".  I'll be much more relaxed walking in there on Wednesday now!  I've already been told I can work and use my cell in the room where I'll be during the infusion, so hopefully that'll help time go by faster! 

Thanks for sharing! 

Yup. I work nights, so I usually get mine as soon as I get off, and I just sleep during it.

Hi Katie,

I have recently had to get iron infusions, no big deal! You have to sit there for about 30-45 minutes but is relatively painless. The only side effect I had was more energy, if you want to think of that as a side effect! It takes approximately 6 weeks AFTER your last infusion to see the results. I felt the difference by the second infusion. I am going back to my hemotologist in two weeks to see if I will need the infusions AGAIN! I hope not....I also have a low white blood count issue that is being monitored. Didn't experience any hair loss. I am also anemic....

Hope that helps

Beth

I can certainly handle more energy!  I am normally a go go go kind of person but the past few years it's more me forcing myself to be then what I really feel like I want to do.  I just thought all of the various symptoms I had been experiencing was the result of me being obese for so much of my life... it's good to know that there is a fix and a reason I feel the way I do.  I'll be eager to see how I feel after this is done!  thanks so much for your input!

Glad that I helped! Let us know how you do with the infusions....

Have a great one!

Beth

I had iron infusions in May and June.  They were done weekly, for five weeks.  The only side effect I had was a weak/flu like feeling the first 24 hours after the first one.  Slight fever, blah feeling.  After that, I adjusted to them.  I am waiting for my follow-up blood results I had done last week, to see if I need more. 

They are no big deal.  Take a book to read for the time you are hooked up.  My hematologists have a TV going, but I hate the soaps, which are usually on then.

Good luck. 

Hugs,
Trish