First Iron Infusion This Friday

Hi, I have never had Iron IV infusions but my iron levels are exceptionally low as per my GP and Cardiologist as well as the nurse in the Calgary Weight Management Program. The nurse had told me that I may be a candidate for iron shots. I am tired all of the time as I am sure some of you are as well. My iron levels were low a year or so ago and then they even have gone lower since. Hard to picture what I would feel like if I had some shots but I am sure it would help. I am also a heart patient so I would have to be very careful with anything else I take beside the handfuls of pills I already take. Thank you for your opinions in advance.

Since we are on the topic of iron infusions...

Just how constipated do you get?  They have me on iron tablets and it's reeking havoc on my digestive system.   I was thinking about requesting to switch, but my 9 month labs are coming up and I'm hoping that they are good enough that I can drop it altogether.  

Are you suggesting you want infusions instead of taking oral iron supplements? It probably won't be that easy. My numbers were low for a long time and I had to demand infusions. It was not a procedure the docs in my area easily support or recommend. They definitely wouldn't have allowed me to get them because I didn't want to take oral supplements any longer. Plus, they are expensive. Even after insurance, I will pay around $600 for the treatment. My nurse had to pay $2000 for her series.

As for constipation, I did not experience any side effects that differed from my normal routine.

I am on my third round of infusions and have a bit of a harder time with them than the others posting.  Starting about 12 hours afterwards, I begin experiencing flu like symptoms - chills, aches, exhaustion - all of which would be doable if we were allowed to take motrin!  Then I have some intense nausea, which my Dr prescribes compazine.  The symptoms last a good 48 hours, and then I bounce back to normal. 

Good luck!!

I just saw the hematologist today and am scheduled for 1st iron infusion next week and 2nd a week later. I have normal h/h and iron levels but ferritin down to 9

Had the first iron infusion on Friday; I just didn't post about it.  It was just great...smooth, no weird feelings nor complications.  I was kinda pale when I got there.  It seemed like for the past month, I've been getting whiter and whiter...I was making jokes about how I know I'm white, but not this white!  Anyways, yesterday I seemed to actually have color like I 'used to.'  I had energy throughout the day, I wasn't dizzy when I stood up, I had a fantastic workout without losing my breath...but I didn't do anything that involved bending or squats.  I want to wait until I get the second infusion before I go all out again.  I did my RPM cycling class and lifted weights (mainly upper body) for 50 minutes, so it was a tough workout, but not overly tough.  I felt like I had air to breathe to get through my reps.  It was great.  

I saw the results of the bloodwork I'd had done at the consultation; my iron level was 32 and there was lots of things that go along with the iron that were obviously really low, too.  My B-12 was a little high and that's because I take a lot of B-12 to overcompensate for the lack of energy issues I'd been having, so when I am totally back on track, I can get everything on a good level.  

The only possible complication I had was when I got ready to go on Friday after the infusion was over, my blood pressure had dropped.  The lady looked at me and asked me if I feel dizzy.  I laughed, because I always usually feel dizzy, so I told her that, and she said, ok, but as long as it's no more than normal...I said nope.  I did feel a little tired Friday evening so I rested at home, but other than that, I was good to go.

I did still have my cramps yesterday but only once last night and twice while doing RPM class.  They were also much more manageable than they normally are.  

My doctor said I would love him for this.  I already do and I still have the 2nd infusion this Friday!!!  Thank you all for the advice.