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Iron Infusion didn't work

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/5/2011 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
So, I called for my results today, and turns out the iron infusion did nothing for my levels. Not sure where they are at right now. I forgot to ask.

It looks like I will be set up for multiple iron infusions. I don't know the schedule or how many yet. They will call tomorrow. It sounds like it might be once a week. I have had so much time off work that I loathe to take more time.

I hope that it is the low iron that has been causing my fatigue and headaches, and that this will fix it. Sigh. I hate this disease. That's it. Just a wee rant.
Posted 4/5/2011 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
generally one iron infusion will not fix iron deficiency anemia. It took me 6 weeks of infusions to raise my hemoglobin from 9.4 to 11.8 (one infusion per week). it also dropped about 3 tenths after the 4th infusion and went back up on the 5th. Even when I was in the hospital last year for a week, I got iron every day I was in to get my hgb back up to where it needed to be.
Posted 4/5/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
and yes, low iron levels will cause your fatigue...mine was TERRIBLE. I could barely walk around the house and do simple things without getting exhausted. Also my heart was pounding a lot harder to make up for the lack of oxygen in my body. Fatigue is definitely one of the main symptoms of anemia and you should feel better after a couple infusions.
Posted 4/5/2011 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
We were just talking about this in hematology last week. My professor (a medical dr) was saying that sometimes therapy needs to continue for 2 months to ensure that your iron stores are built up.
Posted 4/5/2011 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
I'm about to meet my hematologist for the first time tomorrow to see about raising my hemoglobin levels with iron infusions. How long do the infusions take? Have you had any side effects? I had to have a blood transfusion in the fall because of a 4.5 hemoglobin. I think mine is around 8.5 now, and I'm pretty exhausted most of the time, though I'm used to feeling this way and can't remember what it's like to not feel this way. I'm having surgery in June, and I know that they want my levels up.
Thanks:)
Posted 4/5/2011 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I don't think my levels are that low, but since I am still bleeding from the UC and have heavy periods, I think my GI wants to get the levels up before they get too bad.

Music - my infusion lasted 3 hours, plus about 1/2 hour for the test dose. I had 500ml. From what I understand, it is up to the Dr to decide how long it should take. I had no side effect at all.

Good luck with your surgery.
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