Anyone put on iron by infusion or injection?

My GI has decided I need to go ahead and do something more aggressive in getting my hemoglobin up. We are running more labs and then I'll be referred to a hematologist to set things up to receive iron. I'm sure that doc will answer lots of my questions but in the meantime, I'm wondering how this works.

Can you share anything about it? I know just about nothing and are a teensy bit anxious about the unknown.

Thanks so much!

I have had 3 or 4 Infed Iron infusions. I did it at a local cancer clinic where they give Chemo. First they give you a small amount and wait an hour to see if you have a bad reaction. Once that has been determined, they will go ahead and give you what I call "rusty water." Depending on the dose, it may be an all day affair so take your lunch and a lot of reading, once I even took my laptop. Unlike a blood transfusion when you get instant benefit, this will take 3 or 4 days before you feel better and get your pep back.

I also had iron infusions when I was originally diagnosed and was very ill. I was taken back to the area where chemo drugs are administered for the oncology patients. We sat in easy chairs and had food, books and T.V. to keep us occupied. Alot of folks take a nap. They hook you up to an I.V. No pain - other than starting the I.V. - no bad effects... it was actually very relaxing. Seems like my infusions took 2-3 hours. Being around oncology patients and folks who were even sicker than I was kinda put things in perspective for me. The nurses and the hematology/oncology doc were all very caring and upbeat. It was actually kind of enjoyable.

Thank you all for the responses! It sounds a lot like receiving Remicade, really, which I did for a couple of years (the hanging out in an infusion center, bringing stuff to do, etc.)

We have avoided the IV iron for years due to the added cost (this disease is killing me financially) but the labs just aren't looking good even with the Humira making me feel great. So frustrating.

I am actually excited to have a somewhat normal iron level and see how it makes me feel. It's been a long time.