Low iron and infusions?

Jenn aka 2n
on 5/31/11 8:27 am - OR

At my OB appt 2 weeks ago they tested my iron as they do every time. It was at a 10.9. My OB suggested that I take iron supplements. While I admit in the last 2 weeks I haven't taken them religiously my count should have gone up some. Today they tested my iron and it was at a 9.4. A significant drop in just 2 weeks. He was concerned enough that he is going to have me do iron infusions. He said given my background(gastric bypass and malabsorption) he's not confident he can get my levels to where he'd like them to be without doing these infusions. He said my risk of having to have a blood transfusion after delivery is high unless we can get my iron levels up.

Has anyone here had iron infusions? I've heard they can be a bit rough. What was your experience if you've had this done before? I would love some input! Thanks in advance!:)

mzicuis
on 5/31/11 10:32 am

My H and H went down about 2 months before the baby and they out me on high potnecy iron called virton-c. are you taking your iron with orange juie or vit c? If not, it will not be absorbed and we have a hard enough time with that. After the baby my H and H went down to 7.5 and 13...that is super low. They were going to transfuse me like 3 different times and never did..they decided to increase the vitron c to 3 times a day. The reason they deided against the transfusion is I had a c section adn wasn't bleeding "too much" and the risk of a trnsfusion is riskier. I would ahve liked to have it as I am still very tired..still ahving a hard time with the 3 x a day high pot iron....

Kimberly Z.
on 5/31/11 11:08 am - MACEDONIA, OH

RNY on 11/21/06

Sorry I don't have any experience to offer until after tomorrow, lol. My iron has been continually going down as well and I am starting a series of 3 transfusions tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes!
Kim

Highest /Surgery/Lowest/post preggo
268/242/143/198
Mom to Eli 11-15-2009 and Olivia 7-2-2011

Jennifer H.
on 5/31/11 11:50 am - stockton, CA

RNY on 01/02/09

I just went through a blood transfusion because I lost about four bags of blood hemridged because part of one of my placentas was left in me.The doctor really shouldn't have to do one just with having the baby maybe if something goes wrong.My numbers were low but was just giving me iron tell that had happen.A blood transfusion really only works for a few day even just a week my doctor said the blood processes through your body and all the iron will work right out if your body's not keeping it to begin with.
Good luck and best wishes Jen

May my Angles rest in peace.....
Born April 24,2011 Bethanie Marie passed April 25,2011 and Grace Anne passed May 6,2011

pirate_mommy
on 5/31/11 12:38 pm

RNY on 07/07/04

I wish I had something super helpful to add, but my iron is a 7. I already take my prenatal and an iron supplement each day, with light OJ, and nothing ever changes. My OB will not consider iron infusions, I brought it up at the beginning of my pregnancy as I had the same issues with my first daughter. At this point, 37 weeks, I think it's too late to push for an infusion. :(

Liz R.
on 5/31/11 8:49 pm - Easton, PA

RNY on 01/30/07

Honey you need to push!! Mine was a 6.8 at the end of my pregnancy and now, a year and 15 infusions later I am just to where I need to be! Talk to the OB and see if they can do a few while you are in the hospital recovering after Little Missy comes!

pirate_mommy
on 6/1/11 3:06 am

RNY on 07/07/04

I know you're right ... I have an appointment Friday and will ask to have an infusion then ... thanks.

Melanie S.
on 5/31/11 12:51 pm - Midlothian, TX

I get Iron infusions every year for the past 4 years. I had them this year (2 times) in March at the beginning of my third trimester due to my levels being low. Yes, they can be rough but it is not horrible. They give me iron Benadryl and a few tylenol before they start the iron. Afterwards I take two benadryls as I head home. I do break out in hives and my joints swell but I always feel better when my level is up. I will be going back to have my levels checked in mid-July and fully expect that I will have to get another infusion or two.
Good luck and if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer.

Liz R.
on 5/31/11 8:51 pm - Easton, PA

RNY on 01/30/07

As I just mentioned to our favorite pirate - I've had 15 in the last year. I did a 5 week series, then monthly and now another 5 week series. My level was a 14 a few weeks before delivery and dropped to a 6.8 after delivery. The OB told me iron supplements and total cereal would bring my levels back up. After 14 weeks of feeling like crap I called a Hematologist.

The infusions are a bit rough for the first 24 hours or so. Drink LOTS of water and tell them to run it slow and give you fluids. It makes all the difference in the world. The after effects make you feel like you have the flu - drained, tired, achy. (hey wait you said your pregnant, you already feel that way! lol)

Good luck!

imnotknitting
on 5/31/11 10:30 pm

RNY on 10/06/08

I had 2 infusions before I had Lorelai. They were pretty easy and I felt AMAZING afterward. It was totally worth it. I had no reaction and it only took about an hour.
Hopefully you'll have the same reaction as me.

Tina

Mommy to 2 of the most beauiful little girls in the whole universe and still in love with my hubby of 8 years. LIFE IS GOOD!

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Low iron and infusions?