iron infusion required

[RoxyMoosic]

Has anyone ever had one of these?

I have IBD, and got a phone call from my nurse this morning today say my iron levels were really low , after my recent blood tests. She sounded quite surprised I hadn’t been complaining of any symptoms. I feel alright, but come to think of it, I have been perhaps unreasonably tired, which I put down to being very active over the summer.

She mentioned my levels of something were 7. But I didn’t pick up what this actually referred to. Does anyone know? And is it very bad ? She mentioned I’d actually need to come in for an infusion, so I presume it’s not ideal.

If you're in the UK and the NHS are saying they will cover it you should bite their hand off. Doing it privately here costs around £700-800.

I have had one and it was a piece of cake. As to what the levels related to... possibly ferritin but you should ask.

And ferritin of 7 would be v low if that is it. Should be 70-80 ideally I think. But not a dr and just going from what i've been told. Mine was in the 30's and I felt rubbish.

Post pregnancy I was diagnosed as v low iron and vitamin D - I think I had injections for both ( but this was a while ago ) I would just do it - if they have picked it up - then all to the good. Not ideal to be low in both but it can be fixed relatively easily - I agree with @BlackSwan - just go and get what they recommend

Best wishes @RoxyMoosic

I had one early this year with a ferritin level of 4. I had to go privately (fortunately covered by health insurance) because all the NHS would offer was iron tablets which I knew from experience I would struggle to tolerate at the strength I'd need.

The infusion itself was a doddle. Took about 30 mins. I did have mild 'iron flu' a few days later which lasted a couple of days. It takes around 4 to 6 weeks to 'work' and for your body to store the iron.

The consultant said I would feel like a new woman given I was so anemic. I do feel better but it wasn't quite as transformational as I'd hoped (although I didn't feel particularly awful to begin with). I think I just function quite well with low iron levels.

I go several times a year it's honesty fine. I go to acute care they pop a canula in and away they go. It's all measured out depending on your levels. I get mine over a fortnight part one week and then some the next all done in the acute day unit and I'm out in a few hours. I feel a bit flues sometimes the next day but it's worth it in the end.

Thanks folks, I’m actually quite looking forward to the infusion if it’s going to help , I was more just curious about how bad my levels actually were atm

It will most likely be your ferritin levels, your iron stores. Mine were at 3 at the beginning of the year so I had to have an iron infusion on the NHS. My levels are now 34.