Iron deficiency

MaryLMember

Has anybody had any problem with iron deficiency? My son has been taking prescription iron and it is still not bringing up his iron enough. He will now go for iron injections. Has anybody had these? And what was your experience with them.

thank you,
Mary

2/13/137:57 PM

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mgmt10Member

I have ongoing iron and anemia issues. Oral iron does nothing for me. Back in the Fall I had a series of iron infusions (9 total) and it really helped me a lot. I went once a week for 9 weeks and it took about one hour for the infusion. I just recently had a follow up visit with my hematologist and my iron dropped again so now he wants be back for another 4 infusions. It's not a huge deal to get them done but I really wish I could just maintain my iron levels. It's been frustrating. Best wishes to your son, it will help him.

2/13/138:19 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

I didn't think they did iron injections anymore, just IV infusions. Do they have something new out there? The old injections were kind of a nightmare, had to be given with a special Z-tract technique, and could cause staining of the skin, muscle damage, yada yada.

Jan

2/13/138:49 PM

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mgiamartinoMember

i've also had several infusions (not injections) over the years and always felt they made a huge difference in terms of how i was feeling. they also seemed to lessen how many times i was going to the bathroom (i have UC) and eased some of my other symptoms during a flare-up (not sure why but i was definitely grateful).

2/15/136:47 PM

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clouseauMember

I had to have iron infusions a couple of years ago, not bad at all, just bring good reading material.

2/16/133:04 PM

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Very-UniqueMember

I have iron infusions about every 9 months.
Have been having them since 1999.
I get really low before they will give me one and it takes about 3 or 4 weeks before I notice the difference.
Last one was 2 weeks ago and I had 10 vials (equal to 10 injections) in one session via IV infusion.
This should keep me going until October/November.

(The injections never helped me)

2/26/1310:13 PM

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KatydidMember

I am also anemic with low iron so undergoing a series of infusions. First one was a drug that insurance refused for additional use so now have had 2 approved venofer infusions. After first infusion, had slight burning In one foot, joint ache then before returning home, noticed swelling in both feet. They said swelling is a little unusual. Possibly due to IV fluids.

Went for second Venofer yesterday and no limb swelling but omg, When I got home, I experienced severe upper intestinal bloating (only way to describe it). I could not get in a comfortable position. Tried to distract myself and relax in an epson salt bath. Finally received slight relief by vomiting and then could lay down and sleep it off.
Discomfort was upper area near ribs.

I must note that I am being treated for ulcers that are near duodenum bulb and small intestine. We think this has caused almost a "back up" of food at times which causes me to get sick. I am able to have bowel movements but my stomach doesn't always empty.

I am curious if anyone has gut reaction to the Venofer?

thank you!

9/15/218:01 AM

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