Iron Infusion

[GlitchStitch]

Hi I wondered if anyone had any experience of having an IV iron infusion? I've been struggling with low iron for at least 2 years, and I can't get my levels high enough with tablets. I'm very symptomatic, shortness of breath, hair loss, restless legs, fatigue.
I was referred months ago for an infusion on the NHS but heard nothing so I'm sucking it up and going private before I end up off sick from work.

I'd really appreciate if anyone could tell me how quickly it works, any side effects etc so I'm prepared.

Thanks!

Would like to know this too. My friend has just said a liquid form has helped her

My elderly mum has them. She goes in feeling dreadful and comes out with colour in her cheeks feeling much, much better.

That's reassuring, does your mum feel the benefit immediately Mabelface?

My mum has had two of them and honestly she's on a high immediately!

Unfortunately this year the hospital couldn't fit her in for either a iron or a blood transfusion so she's on iron tablet for the next few months.

I had a pretty severe iron deficiency back in 2020 and was pushed by my GP to get an infusion. My main issue was hair loss and fatigue (masked very well by a toddler), it took a few weeks for the tiredness to get better and my hair about 4 months for new hair to start growing.

What are your levels? Despite it being the summer after lockdown GP referred to hosp who then arranged for me to have it done as an outpatient.. still so shocking to hear the delays patients are experiencing with the nhs 😳

Have a look on Facebook, there are anemia support groups that share experiences of infusions. I think they can make you a bit wobbly at first.

Forgot to add.. can't remember any side effects except it being COLD going in and feeling as though I could feel it going through my veins which wasn't pleasant.

I have low ferritin and I had an infusion last Summer. I didn’t feel better immediately but just got gradually less breathless and dizzy over the following couple of weeks. I didn’t get any side effects. I’m waiting for another one now.

I have had 3-4 infusions. I always feel like I have been switched back in within 24-48 hours.

Occasionally I get a metallic taste my mouth. Advice is to keep hydrated and rest for the rest of the day after the infusion.

She actually does. She's due another shortly. Right now she's so pale and tired, with a poor appetite. She's coeliac and T2 diabetic and can't tolerate iron tabs. Whilst it takes a few days to feel the full benefit, she definitely feels better when she leaves the hospital.

Yes, I've had one privately too - no ill effects, has brought my levels right up (a year or so later my levels are still high).

Hi OP, I went privately for one last October, at Yeovil hospital.

My levels were hovering around 15-19 for the previous 5 years - so not rock bottom. However, my thyroid is also problematic so I've had a lot of hair loss and pretty bad fatigue, and GP suggested getting the iron levels up might support recovery.

After the infusion I waited 6 weeks to test and had levels of 95. So a big improvement in the ferritin. Sadly there has not been much uplift in my symptoms :( but since it was a slightly complex picture going in, that's not too surprising.

The only negative was that I did get some light permanent staining on my skin - when the drip started hurting I yelped and they turned it right down, which is why it's not worse. It looks like I've got a slightly yellowish nearly-healed bruise on my inner arm, and it's been that way since the original bruising went down, so definitely think it'll be that way for the rest of my life.

But hey ho, it's not a huge deal.

Well I had the infusion on Friday, the treatment itself was fine and so far I feel OK, although they have prepared me that I will possibly start getting side effects over the next few days. I will update how I get on.

For those who asked, my ferritin was 6 when I found out I had low iron. It has since been up and down for 2 years, highest I've been able to get to on tablets is about 21, so just in a permanent state of fatigue. Really hoping this helps!

I used to have them every 12 months due to severe anaemia cause by periods. I've had ablation now and that fixed it for me.

I never felt a sudden change afterwards, it takes about a week to fully kick in. I never had any side effects or reactions and it was just a nice few hours sat at hospital reading a book or watching my iPad instead of the hectic life I have. I kind of miss it a little, I think I need a solo spa day!

Good to hear it went well op.
I had an infusion last February as my ferritin had dropped to 3. My ferritin went up to 135 and has stayed around that level since, however I did also tackle the source of my anaemia (which was years of heavy periods) by having a uterine ablation.

Sorry, I should have said that it rose to 135 but has since stayed at a regular 20!

@GlitchStitch can I ask how you are now after several weeks?
Thanks

Hi I'm doing much better thanks, I didn't really notice anything but it's just subtlety happened. My shortness of breath has gone as have my restless legs. My brain fog seems less too and I just have more energy and brighter mood. Its almost 6 weeks now since the infusion, I didn't really have any side effects either apart from a weird tan looking complexion for a few days. Definitely worth the money.

@GlitchStitch Thank you so much for replying. I'm going to get myself sorted.

Glad you are feeling better