Iron Infusions

I THINK THAT IS WHY SHE ORDERED STOOL SAMPLES...(TMI) SHE SAID TO SEE IF MY RED BLOOD CELLS WERE REPRODUCING FAST ENOUGH ...SOMETHING LIKE THIS...IDK WILL ASK HER WHEN I GO BACK ..

 Yeah I craved lays potato chips and salty foods.

Last year I got sessions of 3 iron infusions  - 3 days in a row.  The infusion lasted app 1-2 hr each (all process - set up - benadryl and iron). My feritin got from 9 to 93.... 

Beside iron- make sure they check your copper and protein level - with either of those low - you may not be able to retain the iron. and make new blood  (my hematologist told me that).

Good luck.  
i felt better 2-3 weeks after infusions.

Ive been having the same problem. My Iron saturation was 12 and my ferritin was 5. Just had my bloodwork done this month. I was feeling crazy, psycho depressed and having trouble with my workouts. I started pushing the iron and it seemed to start working in just  a couple days. I feel so much better, like night and day. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my 5k, but Im going to go for another!

I didnt get an infusion though. I go back in July for more labs.

I'm sorry you had to cancel your 5k, but your health is more important and if your healthy you will be around for much more than that. I started to think I was crazy too it's a bad feeling to know something isn't right but not know what. Maybe you should talk to your doc before July to see if maybe 1 or 2 infusions would be helpful to you. The 2 days after my infusion I felt bottomed out and slept alot. Today I fell a little better and I hope I can get back to working out.

Hi all.

What iron supplement and how much are you taking?  Do you have any stomach issues with it at all?  (That's my biggest problem with iron supplements.  Bloating, crampy, uncomfortable.)

I had 2 iron infusions in 2011 (the last one Was June 8, 2011).
I am trying to increase my levels with supplements because my Dr. said that I'm not anemic (yet?).  I don't know low they need to be to warrant another infusion. I'd prefer to do it with supplements, anyway.

Ferritin - 8.0
Iron    -  26
Iron Sat.-  5

Thanks for any feedback.

Gaby

Ferritin - 8.0
Iron - 26
Iron Sat.- 5

ouch that is low... My ferrit was 9 and I got infusions and my hematologist even tod me taht if my ferritin drops below 50... I may need to come and see him... And not to wait until it is that low.

I do have issues with iron. Like you - really bad cramps and pain and more issues.  And even taking a lot - my numbers were not improving. 

Most people suggest carbonyl iron + Vit C.  A lot.

Thanks for your input Hala.   My doctor is reluctant to request an infusion...she said it's because my levels don't require it yet...and that frequent iron infusions are hard on the liver.  I am wondering if it is that my insurance won't pay until it is at a certain level.  So  

I will try carbonyl iron + Vit C to see if it at least helps even a tiny bit. 

Frustrating.  : /

Gaby

Gaby,
How much the infusion helped you?  Mine after 3 sessions got from 9 to 93.  5 months later - they were still at 90.. at that "usage" I may not need another for 2-3 years... or more.
I do try to eat a lot of meat... but iron really hurts me...

I used proferrin for a while - but it is expansive - (it is heme iron) and still has to be taken with no calcium  or other minerals.
 My hematologist told me to check copper.  At a conference he learn that RNY we may have copper issue and that will create issue with blood building.

proferrin ES - google it is app 50-60 for 90 pills.  For best results take 3 a day. No need fro vit C.  -
https://www.proferrin.com/proferrin-es.php

I used to buy it from them... But it looks like they are out right now.  They say it can be taken with calcium - but I read study that indicated that heme and non-heme iron absorption may be affected by calcium and calcium rich foods.

I will take it again. (I stil have some).

You are always so generous with your knowledge and research, Hala.  Thank you!

By the way, you asked how I was after my infusion...I felt quite a bit better overall. 
My HMO is so tight it squeaks.  I suppose they will do an infusion on me just before I end up in the hospital since that would cost them even more.  ha!

Gaby