Iron infusion went wrong

[Realitea]

I had my first infusion today. Felt alright until the cannula started to go in. I felt queasy about it. Tried to take my mind off it but the felt my face getting hot, then started seeing double, then I went very hot and sweaty and dizzy. I then just shut my eyes and couldn’t open them but could hear what the nurses were saying. They were very good and got me to lie down. They stopped it until I felt alright. Started again and I then felt very cold and shaky. It was then just abandoned.
I’m so upset as I needed that iron so much. I got home a while ago but still feel odd. Extremely tired and a bit shaken up I suppose. Dh has gone out as he has his Xmas work do. No one else to speak to really.
I have to go back and try again with a different iron. Not looking forward to it at all.
Just wanted some support really after what’s happened.

Oh dear. How soon can you go back and get the different iron? Sorry, I have no experience of infusions but I do know that some types of oral iron can cause stomach problems so not surprised that an infusion may sometimes cause problems too.

It sounds like you may have experienced a panic attack , what with the symptoms starting with the cannulation ? It would explain why you feel so tired after the event as well.

Oh gosh maybe it was a panic attack. My heart rate was normal though. My blood pressure plummeted. I’m thinking it was more psychological now though!

Typical signs of fainting OP. Try again but next time, make sure you've eaten and drunk well beforehand. Good luck.

Thanks - yes I’m now absolutely sure I just fainted. It was the thought of the thing in my arm and feeling the iron go in. Made me very queasy. I will ask to be horizontal next time I get my infusion which should stop it!

I had the same reaction the first time I gave blood (I know it's not the same thing).

They said that it's common and they could tell it was about to happen before I knew it was!

Are you feeling okay now?

Hi @Realitea I've had 4 iron infusions over the past few years – one was excruciatingly painful and unpleasant and the other 3 were absolutely fine, so please don't let one bad experience put you off.

FYI I was lying down on each occasion, quite surprised you weren't. Definitely worth requesting that. Good luck.

It all felt rushed and all these ladies were sitting in a row hooked up. I thought I’d at least be lying down! I was given a red sticker to show I have allergies but it wasn’t done slowly, I was just hooked up and left. Not a nice experience at all but I will be going back

Oh that doesn't sound great! I was in a side room on my own, on a bed, with a dedicated nurse. She didn't stay the whole time but took care over hooking me up popped back in once during the treatment to check I was all right, and then came back at the end to take the cannula out and check again I was feeling OK. I didn't feel rushed or pressurised at all. Really hope it's better for you the next time – I'm sure if you tell them you fainted the last time, they will give you a bed.

If I’d had the same experience as you I just know I would’ve been alright. Will tell them next time I need a bed!

Sorry that you had that experience. It does sound like a faint or panic attack.

I'd suggest buying some emla cream. Its a local anaesthetic cream used to numb the skin when cannulating children or those with needle phobias. You put a pea sized blob on the skin and put a clear dressing over the top. Over 30-60mins the cream changes from white, to an opaque colour and absorbs. You could always arrive say 30mins before your appointment time and ask the nurse to put the cream into the correct place. Best of luck.

it actually sounds more like a vaso-vagal attack. Some people get them. Ensure you drink lots day before and morning of your next infusion. Ask to be sested with your feet up before you start.

I’ve had a couple of iron infusions.
when the iron goes in you can feel it - if you see what I mean. Sort of heavy and coldTry to concentrate on the positives - this iron ja really going to make you feel brand new! After a couple of days I sort of feel such a new person. It’s wonderful.
Take a podcast or something to read on a kindle - it will distract you.
I never look at the needle going in or the first couple I didn’t look at my arm at all.
Next time just explain what happened at that you wohld like to lie down.
Good luck!

It was that feeling of the iron going in. 🤢 You describe it perfectly. At least I know what expect next time!