Iron injection/ IV

[nopun]

I just got a call from the midwife that I need an iron injection because I'm anaemic and haven't responded to the pills. Has anyone had this and can shed any light on the process? How long does it take? Did you have any side effects? And did it work? Apart from everything else I need to work out whether I can step out from work for an hour's break and get back to chair a big meeting, or whether I'm kidding myself... Thanks all

I had one last week, I had to go to the hospital for it and while the iron infusion only took 15 minutes I was there for a few hours, firstly because the appointments were running late, and then because you have to stay for an hour or so afterwards so that they can keep an eye on you in case you have a reaction. I don't think you could nip in and out for it, but I guess it depends on where you're having it?

They put me on a bed in the ward, did urine sample and listened to the heartbeat and took my blood pressure before and after, and then the iron infusion was done with a cannula in the back of my hand. It wasn't painful but it did feel quite weird and made me a little woozy while it was happening. Then they gave me tea and biscuits for an hour while I waited to be allowed home, and they said to take it easy for the rest of the day. I didn't have any side effects except for a bruised hand, and can only assume it worked as I haven't had my blood tested since! Had to take a break from the tablets for a week afterwards and then start on them again, the midwife told me to take them with Ribena instead of orange juice because apparently it has more vitamin c. Good luck!