OT: Iron Infusions

Hi,

I had my first iron infusion yesterday with venofer. I had another 2 sessions scheduled in the next 4 weeks. When should I be feeling better?

Thanks,
Michelle

Did your PS play a role in you needing iron, or has that been a problem for you all along?  I hope you feel better soon.

I have been struggling with low iron for about a year. :(

I think it is variable. When I had mine, I was told that some people felt better right away and for others, it was a more gradual process over a period of several weeks. I fell into the latter category. It was a more gradual process. In addition, it can take at least 3 months for the full benefits, since it takes about that amount of time for a red blood cell to cycle through its development in the bone marrow and release into the bloodstream. I had a series of 4 infusions over a period of 4 weeks. My counts came up some within that period of time, but it did take longer to achieve full benefit. Plus, my PCP had me take 4 weeks of a bone marrow stimulation medication, which was one injection/week over the 4 weeks, to speed up the process. I also think that the lower your hemoglobin or iron values are, one may feel the benefit sooner.

gail

Gail,

I hope to feel better soon..I hear my insomnia may improve as a result too.. how long ago did you have it done?

Michelle

Nov/Dec 2010, post-op months 3 and 4. I had complications from the VSG and had some internal bleeding, which cause my iron to plummet and resulted in the iron deficiency anemia. Once I was past that, my recovery was great and I have never looked back. I do remember being cold all the time and my sleep wasn't that great. Since then, my iron has been fine and I don't have to take an iron supplement.

Gail

Michelle, I have had 4 infusions.  Two of the times I felt better the very next day.  The other times it was more gradual. 

 Hi Michelle,

I just finished my 5th IV of Venofer last friday. I am still waiting for more energy. I feel slightly better, my chest pain, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears,and  cramps have all resolved. However, I still can't go all day without needing to lay down from fatigue. How are you doing? It would be nice to hear from people who have been through this process. My HGB was 10.8 and ferritin 10. I had very heavy bleeding for 4 days which I know made these numbers worse. I am scheduled for an endometrial ablation on 4/5. That'll help keep my iron up too.

Thanks,
Carolyn

I am considering doing something about my heavy cycle.. My ferritin has been as low as 4. My cycle just started a week early.. I am praying it lightens up....I have an appt to schedule with my GYN. Whats the recovery time for the endometrial ablation?

Michelle

 Any "Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding" will certainly complicate the anemia that we are already struggling with from malabsorption due to WLS. The ablation is a quick, in office procedure that takes just a few minutes. The recovery time is as quick as 1 day, with discharge for up to 1 week. I've talked with my Ob/Gyn and people that had it done and they say it's the best thing they ever did and it's a very uncomplicated, quick recovery time. I wish I had done this years ago instead of going from pill to pill to control the frequent periods.

Especially since now I'm struggling with anemia and bad side effects.

How's your energy since the iron infusions?

Take care.