Low Iron and Infusions

So for those of you who have had "low" iron - how low did you go?

My tests just came back and my Ferritin was at 2.2 - my doc is sending me in to get an Iron transfusion.

For those of you who have had an infusion - What should I expect? How long does it take for the infusion? How long before I feel 'normal' (able to go back to work, etc) - do I need to take the next day off? How much did the infusion raise your score? For those who might have a score as low as mine (2.2) did it raise it a lot or were you forced to have multiple large infusions?

Thanks!
Cass

I have had a few iron infusions. They really do help. I am not sure of how much the number went up but it did. if i remember correctly, mine was a 4. They ordered 3 infusions over 3 months. I was actually surprised how much better I felt.

The infusion last between 1 1/2 t0 2 hours. There are NO side effects. They check your blood pressure and temperature, start an IV then infuse the iron. The only thing I ever do is go to sleep. After the infusion, she checks everything again then that's it. I usually do it really early in the morning so I can go to work at 3.

I was scared and nervous the first time I had one just because I had no clue what to expect. I requested the day off and planned to stay home the rest of the day. It's not that serious...

Good luck

Hi Cass
I had low iron at 6 months out from surgery.  I had iron infusions 3 weeks in a row.  Before the infusion I was so tired I napped often during the day.  After the infusion, which only took a little over an hour each time, I felt much better within a couple of weeks and didn't require naps every day.  I am 14 months out from surgery and haven't had to repeat the process yet.  For some, one course of iron infusions is enough.  There are different kinds of iron.  I had to use Dexiron because that is the only product my insurance would cover.  There are other products that are more tolerable and have less side effects.  Your Dr will help you with that part.  I don't see any need to take a day off work. It really wasn't that bad at all.  Hope this helps.
Wishing you success!
Pam

Hi Cass!  Long time no see!

I'm in the same boat.  My ferritin was 5 and they are waiting to see if it will come up with oral supps but I'm doubtful.  As much as I hate the idea of an infusion...I think it is the best option.  Don't know though. Still doing research (in between naps)...

Bekah

Bekah! How have you been!

Yes, at this point iron infusion is 100% my choice of treatment as the others aren't working (I've been using Michelle's 'fix-it' plan and my ferritin dropped from 6.5 to 2.2 over 6-8 months - OUCH! so her 'tender-irons', the doc's iron pills and pills in general just aren't doing the trick - I need more).

I am going through no less than 15 pounds of Ice a week (hey, at least it's water!), I fall asleep in the 8 minute ride from home to work (hubby drives) or to lunch. I freak the nurses out because I'm so pale (on top of being extremely pale normally), my husband uses my hands and feet as ice packs to cool off and what's weird to me is I get dizzy, lightheaded and short of breath easily. So when she said "your iron is VERY low" I was like "YA THINK!?!?!"

The good news is my B-12 serum level was 1282 - yippee! (The doc tried to tell me- you don't have to take your injections anymore with that level... I was like NOT - I'm taking my shots, tyvm!)