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anyone had iron infusions?

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Posted 4/22/2009 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
I'm anemic, have been since I was 15, and have had lupus since I was 16. My anemia has always been managable, a round of iron and it always would go away. about a month ago I was suppose to have my wisdom teeth out, but told my oral surgeon that I was anemic. So before I could get them out he wanted to check my iron levels. He called me a day later and said they were to low to do the surgery and when they were up again we could do it. So I called my regular doctor and got started on iron right away, even took 2 a day instead of 1 to get my levels back to normal since they were so low, I even took vit. C to help it bind better. So I went 2 days ago and got my iron levels retested and yesterday went to see my doctor. Well, now my levels are lower than they were before I started taking the iron. So my doctor wants to send me to a hematologist to get iron infusions done. I don't really know what that all entails so I was wondering, since I can't wait to ask my hematologist about it, if anyone has ever had them done before and what exactly they do. Anyone with any experience in this matter please let my know....anything. Thanx a bunch.

                                                                                                Erin

Posted 4/23/2009 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

 

I have had 2 iron infusions and they were uneventful.  It is a 6 hour deal.  The give you some benadryl and steroid in your IV to make sure you won't have a reaction.  Then you get a "test dose" of iron to make sure you dont react adversely. I was zoncked for 4 hours in the recliner after the benadryl.  They took the IV out and
I drove home.  No biggie.

 

When taking iron by mouth it will take at least 6 weeks to build up your stores of iron-minimun.

 

Good Luck

Posted 4/23/2009 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have had numerous iron infusions over the years, and there really isnt anything to it.  I was given benedryl and 50 mg of prednisone one hour prior to the infusion.  It takes 2 weeks for the iron to make red blood cells, but you will feel much better at that point.  Has anyone figured out why your iron is so low?  I am assuming your hemoglobin was really low also.  Keep us posted, but don't worry just take a good book, and a lunch. 

Julia

 

Posted 4/24/2009 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
I have also had tons of iron infusions. I was usually in patient anyway or at dialysis. The worst thing that happened during the infusions was a funky taste in my mouth! Judy
Posted 4/24/2009 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
Has your Dr. ever suggested having a can of Guinness stout beer a day. It has been prescribed to increase iron levels and I know people still do this. It maybe worth asking.
Posted 4/24/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Flax seed has a lot of iron in it, and so does spinach. I doubt they will get your iron up to where it needs to be, but it's a great way to supplement your diet.

Every morning I make a smoothie:

Mango
Blueberries
fresh baby spinach (or any other veggie)
ground flax seed
Organic plain yogurt
xylotol (natural sweetener - much better than sugar)
ice (lots)

You'll never know there's spinach in it, and it's delicious, especially on a warm summer day. And it's full of iron, fiber, and antioxidants.

P.S. I'd love other smoothie suggestions. My favorite is blueberries and watermelon when the watermelons are in season)
Posted 4/28/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thanx for the advise, I really appreciate it. I'm going in tomorrow morning and your experiences have lightened my nervous load a little, thanx so much. I'll keep you all posted and let you know how it all goes. Thanx again
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