Iron Infusions

I am having my first on Monday.  I know Marie Claire asked about this lastweek as she was having one done yesterday.  I know that I will be there for 6-7 hours, but saw on Marie Claire posts that they watch out for side effects.  What kind of side effects can occur?  Also, I am one of those people who needs to eat every few hours or I get really nauseous.  Can I eat beforehand, do they provide food for you when your there that long?  Just wondering what to look out for, and wondering if I should bring something to eat.  Any other suggestions about things to bring??

Marie-Claire hope you are feeling better.  Did your infusion help with your energy levels?

Thanks everyone!!

Gail *Nanners*

Bring food--I always did.  They might have some snack stuff there--really depends on where you are having yours done.  I did mine in a hematology/oncology office so I was usually the only having iron . . . most were getting chemo.  My husband came with me each time and I usually sent him out for lunch.  He usually brought it for the nurses, too.

They will do a test dose of the iron first to watch for any reactions.  They always gave me tylenol and iv benadryl first to help avoid a reaction.  I did have an adverse reaction to iron sucrose (I do iron dextrose only now) and got about 1/2 way into it and started feeling very strange, then aches and a bad headache, and then started swelling in my fingers and hands.  They immediately gave me some steroids to get it under control.  Long story short, they whisked me over the hospital which was right next door and kept me overnight for more iv drugs and observation. 

I am sure you will be all right.  I was always tired afterwards, but perked up quite a bit days later.

The effects of iron infusions depend upon how large a dose you're getting. My doctor (a hematologist/oncologist) was very conservative and wanted to avoid anaphylactic shock--so she divided the required amount into 16 IVs, once a week. With the weekly dose that low, there was a minimal possibility of harmful side effects, and I certainly didn't have any. I then had to have another round of 16 infusions, because tests showed that I still didn't have enough iron in my system.

I took the first 16 infusions in the oncology department of our local hospital, surrounded by brave, funny, inspiring cancer patients. I took the second 16 infusions in my doctor's office, once again surrounded by cancer patients (and two chocolate labs, who hung out with the patients--and took your nice, warm seat if you went to the bathroom). Each IV took about an hour and a half; the nurses were skillful about administering them; the conversation was terrific; and I got 90 minutes a week of enforced quiet and reading. It really wasn't bad, and I kind of missed it when it was all over.

If they're giving you one or two huge infusions, there's some risk of anaphylactic shock, which is why many doctors don't like them. But they'll keep a close eye on you and watch for symptoms. And there are good, fast antidotes now, if you demonstrate any problems. Good luck!

for my infusion my mum brought me some food but where i got mine done there was muffins and sandwhichs and i kept my self entertained by playing my boyfriends PSP

My first iron infusion several years ago was in the hospital. I was told to get there at 8 in the morning, but sat in my room till 12 before they showed up with the iron. I didn't get to go home until 11 that night. On the bright side, the meals they gave me were pretty good.

Now I get venofer infusions, which are suppose to be tolerated better. I get them in the chemo room, and it takes 2 or 3 hours. They usually have snacks available, and sometimes if they have extra, you'll get a boxed lunch. The infusions always go really well, but the first infusion in each series always ends up making me sick by nightfall. It's really weird, because the subsequent infusions don't.

So yeah, I get IV iron as well. Venofer once a month. I have Benadryl and tagament before the infusion. The whole process takes about 4-5 hours, pour moi. My Hematocrit was down to 9. Basically, all numbers were pretty low. I was supposed to start with one infusion a week for 5 weeks but had extreme cramping and muscle soreness from the Venofer. Docs couldn't figure out why the cramps were severe. We tried Infed (dexferrum?) but I had an anaphylactic reaction. I had to be hit with the Epi-pen. All I could think of was Pulp Fiction, lol. We went back to the venofer, which I have once a month now. I take pain meds for the side effects. I, too, get my infusions at a cancer facility but there are a lot of people who get iron instead of the chemo.

I do get pretty cold during the infusion, but they have nice, warm blankets available. I never eat before the infusion, but always eat after.

This infusion process began in July 09 and has helped me a good bit!

When i got my first infusion of infed. WOW i almost died and will never do it again. I almost redlined at a heartrate of 185 and broke out with a severe rash on my face. it first started with upper back pain severe. If you get upper back pain real bad... Please call them in.

I was sent to the ER and later sent home.

i guess im either allergic to the stuff they mix it with or it was too strong.

Hi Nanners , my experience with having blood transfusions is quite laughable really the first one (this time last year) it all went well had no reactions until later in the evening my mum brought me in some strawberries after eating them i started to itch all over!!!! the doc came and said "you must be allergic to strawberries" i explained i've always eaten them with no problem He then got me thinking maybe the persons blood i have been given was allergic to them!!! it did wear off after a few antihistamines.I then went through it again later in the year I have always been a coffee drinker and can't stand tea not even the smell yet after the last infusion can only drink tea can't stand coffee now really weird!!!!! told my GI who laughed and said "probable" If i have another one i hope that person is a healthy eater so i will go off junk food!!!!! good luck with tomorrow i'm sure you will be fine Bev x

SORRY NANNERS MY MISTAKE IM TALKING BLOOD TRANSFUSION NOT IRON INFUSIONS TOTALLY IRRELEVENT!!!! i'm losing the plot I blame the snow we're having:-}