Iron transfusion. What to expect.

[ScottishG]

I have persistent anaemia. Nothing drastic (10 point something) but difficult to get back to normal. I've been taking heavy duty iron tablets but they really upset my stomach. Consultant has booked me in for an iron transfusion and I'm not sure what to expect. Dr Google tells me lots of horrible potential side effects. Has anyone had a transfusion? What was it like? Did it do the trick?

Do you mean infusion? I had one not long ago. You're hooked up to a drip for an hour or so, I felt quite dizzy when it started so they immediately turned the drip off and injected me with an anti sickness med then restarted it. I was fine after that and didn't have any side effects at all. My dizziness is apparently very unusual so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I had one when about 8 months pregnant with DD, my blood count was very very low. Admitted to hospital for the day, hooked up to iron drip and just read and lazed for the day. DH had day off to look after DS aged 3! My arm just ached afterwards for a couple of days. Mind you, this was 1983.

Black poos! Apart from that I had an itchy hand! Please don't worry!

I felt quite achy for about 24 hours afterwards. It was a bit like flu. Pain was worst in my pelvis and sternum. I took paracetamol and stayed in bed for the day.

I hope it helps

Had one when pregnant and honestly, it was amazing. I went bright red and had a bit of a reaction but that's typical of me.

Felt like a new person, I actually wish I could just have them every now and again!

I had one I felt fine. Just enjoy lazing around as it takes agggggeeessss.
It smells a bit weird and I think maybe it made me smell a bit weird too.

I had one after DS3 was born. My levels had been on the low side throughout pregnancy and tablets were just keeping them about steady. Although I lost very little blood, my levels dropped down significantly afterwards. It felt sort of cool and achy while I was hooked up and my arm felt heavy for the rest of the day but it really did wonders for my tiredness levels! I was scared beforehand and I'm sad I can never give blood but now I've had one I wouldn't hesitate in future if it was suggested again.

Actually maybe what I had was a blood transfusion, I just googled. What I said might be completely useless for you.

Mine was great,no side effects and felt much better.

DD had one. Took 30 mins, no problems and energy increased within a couple of days.

I had one when pregnant. Hand felt very cold. Nurse hooked me up and left me to it, the line wasn't working properly so it took ages but once that was sorted it was much quicker. No noticeable side effects.

Yep, they def do the trick. Takes a week or so to kick in for me but a noticeable difference.

I mean infusion, not transfusion. Clearly getting my 'fusions' confused! Thanks for the reassurance. This anaemia has been rumbling on for so long now that I don't really know how much it is affecting me. I get very tired, but that could be work/parenting teenagers/premenopausal or perhaps the anaemia. It'll be interesting to see how I feel after the infusion.

I definitely put my general level of permanent tiredness down to small children, job, pregnancy etc. Once I'd had it I felt much better and realised how bad it had been.