Iron Infusion

Having an iron infusion for the first time tomorrow as my ferritin is at 5 and I desperately need an energy boost after a bad flare.
I've tried oral iron with no avail (it didn't make me feel unwell, but for some reason I can't absorb it), but am absolutely terrified for the infusion. I'm not scared of needles or anything but the possibility of side effects is what frightens me - I have quite a big phobia of being/feeling sick.
Has anyone here had an infusion? Did you experience any side effects? I've booked a couple of days off work to be on the safe side but I still feel very anxious about it all & the unknown...

it can depend on the kind of infusion. the iron sucrose drip has a very small change or allergic reaction, and they often do a small test before the full bag.

the Fereheme is a 510ml IV push from a syringe and has very very low risk or allergic reaction. it only takes 2 minutes, but the doe ask you to stay 30 minutes the 1st time or two. I loved Fereheme.

i've had 24 iron infusions. the first 15 were ferrlecit (sp?) and at the last one, i had an allergic reaction with severe hives. the next ones i had have been venofer and i haven't had any side effects yet.

the scheduling can be difficult depending on how may you need and the frequency. ferrlecit are done once weekly (my doc ordered them in sets of 8 weeks) and then venofer is done 5 times in 10 days. my veins really took a beating so hopefully you don't need too many to get your levels up.

my last round, my ferritin was a 3 when i started and iron was a 24. my blood work a few days ago was back to normal.

also, speak up if your iv hurts. iron is very cold and it can feel uncomfortable. the run time is usually 30 minutes but after 3 or so infusions, i'd ask them to run it over an hour just because my veins are so fragile and they have no problem doing that.

good luck!! i am sure you will be fine. if you are concerned about reactions, you can get benadryl or tylenol before hand. i am always very tired after my infusions so i just go home and lay down the rest of the day. i can't drive myself ever.

I had one iron infusion and was thrilled with the results. During the infusion (whatever type takes a few hours), my mouth felt weird, sort of itchy and twinge-y. I told the nurse and she put either Benadryl or a steroid to counteract the reaction. All was fine after that.

Just watch for a reaction and speak up as soon as you suspect an issue. It's unlikely to happen but can be easily fixed.

I felt fantastic about two weeks after my infusion. And I only needed one to get back to normal and to stay there. Mine was three years ago and never needed another.

Had an iron infusion once, which didnt work well for me. They did a test on me first to see if any allergic reactions, but I felt fine. However, after 20 mins of starting the infusion I started feeling short of breath and restricted and my body started itching all over and developing hives. At the end i felt sick and puked out a little. They quickly pumped me with some sort of antidote which brought me back to normal.

The doctor then asks me if i have any respiratory issues, which was a yes as i do suffer from asthma.

Bottom line: make sure the doc has all your medical information before they do the infusion.