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Original poster

Ferritin 9 - iron infusion experiences?

68 replies

BlondeBelle · 22/07/2026 13:17

Hi All,

Looking for advice/experience with low ferritin ♥️

Due to low levels I have found the few years tough but it’s been dreadful particularly the last few months.

I can’t seem to stomach iron tablets as I have IBS-C and even when I up my prescription laxatives it is still tough on my bowels, so I have just been plodding on thinking maybe it’s normal to feel this way.

At my last blood test my ferretin was 9, haemoglobin 112, red blood cells 3.74 and haematocrit 0.336.

I’m so exhausted and crying all the time - I’ve can struggle on and off with low mood but this is pretty constant and I was very active up until a few months ago but now have no desire to do anything.

My Dr has been good and offered me an iron infusion as I don’t tolerate the iron tablets - can anyone share their experiences with an infusion?

Upon researching it just seems people have bad experiences or the permanent skin staining and it’s putting me off.

Many thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 20:54

Monetsbridge · 24/07/2026 17:35

i think you’re lucky to be offered an infusion on NHS and I would take it, though I understand the nerves about the side effects as I am also a bit wary of those. Did you have to have gastro tests first? My GP referred me a few weeks ago for infusion for not tolerating oral iron but I can see on the app that the referral has now gone to upper gi assessment and I don’t know if they’ll accept the infusion referral, and if they do, if I’ll have to have the scopes first, because of my age (even though I’m pretty sure the low iron isn’t from a GI cause, but they might have to check anyway). The waiting list could be months from the sounds of it anyway.

I had no tests prior to this being booked - my Dr just said as I can’t seem to tolerate oral iron alongside my IBS-C that he would refer me. I got a call offering me an appointment the following week however I have been unable to until next week.

Still feel incredibly nervous and hope all will be ok.

Good luck to you when you get your appointment.

OP posts:
TheBlueKoala · 01/08/2026 20:55

BlondeBelle · 22/07/2026 13:17

Hi All,

Looking for advice/experience with low ferritin ♥️

Due to low levels I have found the few years tough but it’s been dreadful particularly the last few months.

I can’t seem to stomach iron tablets as I have IBS-C and even when I up my prescription laxatives it is still tough on my bowels, so I have just been plodding on thinking maybe it’s normal to feel this way.

At my last blood test my ferretin was 9, haemoglobin 112, red blood cells 3.74 and haematocrit 0.336.

I’m so exhausted and crying all the time - I’ve can struggle on and off with low mood but this is pretty constant and I was very active up until a few months ago but now have no desire to do anything.

My Dr has been good and offered me an iron infusion as I don’t tolerate the iron tablets - can anyone share their experiences with an infusion?

Upon researching it just seems people have bad experiences or the permanent skin staining and it’s putting me off.

Many thanks!

My ferritin was at 13- one month after infusion it was at 158!!! No side effects and I'm no longer out of breath.

Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 20:55

SeasideDaisy · 24/07/2026 17:50

Following, I had my first iron infusion on Monday.

How are you feeling and did you have any side effects or staining? ♥️

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 20:57

FeralWoman · 24/07/2026 18:18

Have the infusion. Don’t worry about the stories of skin staining.

My DH, teen DD and I have all had iron infusions multiple times. Love them. DD had very minor skin staining from her first one because she moved a bit when the cannula was being adjusted or something like that. We didn’t even notice it for months. At first I thought she had a bit of dirt on her arm or maybe a faint bruise. We eventually worked out it was iron staining. It’s gone now. It faded after a year or two. It was worth it to see colour in her face again and for her to have energy.

I will have no hesitation to have another infusion when needed. It’s about $250 to have done privately in my country. I’d easily spend that on iron supplements if I didn’t have the infusion. At least this way I don’t get constipation or tummy upsets and I start to feel like a human again after about a week.

You have to keep your arm with the cannula in very still while the infusion is running so take something you can do one handed for 30-45mins. Scrolling on your phone, a book to read or something like that.

My ferritin is finally remaining in a good range since I’ve had iron infusions done and had a Mirena to stop my periods. Lots of women have horror stories about Mirenas, just like you’ve found about iron infusions. Others have great experiences with nothing negative to talk about. Personally I’ve had great experiences with Mirena insertion and removal. Barely any pain. I just had my third one fitted. Great GP and she puts plenty of numbing gel on my cervix.

If the worst happened and you got a big iron stain then you could get a tattoo to cover it up.

Thank you so much - it does seem they are more common in other countries.

Great to hear you’ve all had great success!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 20:59

happilypickled · 24/07/2026 18:36

I have had many due to a medical condition which means I can’t absorb iron. I have had quite bad skin staining a couple of times - the worst one took nearly 4 years to fade but it eventually did.

its worth it - can’t comment on how it made me feel as my main condition meant correcting the anaemia didn’t make a huge difference - but its quick and easy, you’re in and out within an hour. Do it!

Sorry you’ve had skin staining - can I ask if you know why you stained those times and not others?

I am very very fair and incredibly worried this will happen to me - am getting married next year and would hate to have big staining on my arm.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:00

ChippyDinner · 24/07/2026 18:56

I was fine for a couple of days after my infusion then very ill for a few days - sort of as ill as you could be without feeling the need to call an ambulance is the only way I can describe it. Probably the illest I’ve ever been outside of Covid. Like I was tucked up in a warm bed, shivering so badly my whole body was shaking. Couldn’t do anything at all for a few days.

But….i did then finally feel better after years and years of exhaustion so overall it was worth it!

I have read people get full on flu type feelings afterwards!

Glad it was worth it for you in the end!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:02

Covidwoes · 25/07/2026 21:26

I had one in January due to low ferritin, and ferritin failing to rise for over a year on iron supplements. I had a headache the next day, but that was it! It has definitely improved things for me overall. My levels shot up to 145. They are now 80, so falling, but still good. Interestingly, I used to suffer badly from recurrent UTIs, but since having my iron infusion, I haven’t had a single one. I am convinced the infusion boosted my immunity in terms of the UTIs, as I hadn’t changed anything else!

I am hoping other things will improve for me too, like they have you!

fingers crossed.

OP posts:
naivemelody88 · 01/08/2026 21:02

You, or rather the doctors, need to find the cause of the iron being so low. There will be a reason and there will be a cure or treatment.

Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:03

BinfortheWin · 25/07/2026 21:31

I had one in Jan when my ferritin was 10. It changed my life! My ferritin is now nearly 200.

However you should also check B12 and folate levels. The three work together so if you’re low in one you’re likely low in the others.

Also have a coeliac test as that can cause poor iron absorption.

I saw Dr Andrew Klein who is a specialist in iron and B12, he was brilliant.

Thank you for the tips :)

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:04

longtompot · 25/07/2026 22:31

@BlondeBelle Ive had several iron infusions and one blood transfusion due to low ferritin, was 3 at its lowest, and I felt like you described. I was also incredibly out of breath even doing minor things. The infusion helped within the first week, and with the first one I don't remember any side effects. The ones after, however, I woke up in the night having panic attacks which, after speaking to the infusion team, they said was a common side effect.
But, they helped me much more than any iron tablets ever did with much less ill effects.

So glad they helped you quickly.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:06

Monetsbridge · 28/07/2026 19:19

How have you got on @BlondeBelle? Did you have it yet? I’ve now been referred, which is good, but a 3-4 month wait, so a long time to get nervous about it!

I’m booked in next week so will keep you updated.

So anxious!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:07

LemograssLollipop · 28/07/2026 23:24

I heard the reports of feeling incredible after an iron infusion but I didn't feel that way after mine.

Sorry to hear that, did you feel worse?

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:08

Tiptopflipflop · 01/08/2026 20:52

I had one. Absolutely fine. Felt a bit under the weather for a day or two after, but still able to go about my business as usual. No staining (that's statistically not that common).

My consultant advised me to make sure I'd eaten well before I went and to be well hydrated.

It really helped me regain my energy.

Thank you for your reply and great to hear it helped you.

OP posts:
AlwayAnxious · 01/08/2026 21:11

Im allergic to iron infusions and its so frustrating

Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:12

TheBlueKoala · 01/08/2026 20:55

My ferritin was at 13- one month after infusion it was at 158!!! No side effects and I'm no longer out of breath.

Show quote history

Do they leave it long to re do your bloods?

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:14

naivemelody88 · 01/08/2026 21:02

You, or rather the doctors, need to find the cause of the iron being so low. There will be a reason and there will be a cure or treatment.

Yes, I have been researching this as so far my Dr hasn’t suggested much (I have requested a celiac test).

Would be nice to get to the bottom of this.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBelle · 01/08/2026 21:15

AlwayAnxious · 01/08/2026 21:11

Im allergic to iron infusions and its so frustrating

So sorry for you!!

OP posts:
naivemelody88 · 02/08/2026 00:30

It could be malabsorption due to lots of things like celiac, chrons etc, heavy periods (there are reasons for this too which can be treated wpuld probably need an ultrasound), ask to have your folate, b12 etc tested too, I am going through this just now, I have been chronic anaemic for years and only now being tested as to why because I pushed and pushed for it, I had to question the doctors which was really uncomfortable for me, it’s exhausting but you will get to bottom of it and finally feel better 🙂

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