Need information on iron infusions.

[irish]

I see hematology on Monday to discuss my anemia and low ferritin levels. This used to happen periodically but it is now getting to be pretty constant and the iron pills aren't doing the job at all. Dropped from 11.3 to 10.1 in 2 months while takin iron supplements.

I don't want to rush into this as I tend to be one of those people who reacts in strange ways to meds. The other thing is docs are checking me for exodrine pancreatic enzyme insufficiency plus checking for an infection in the small colon. I really feel terrible and hope that my iron levels don't fall much more cause it is getting hard to do things with the fatigue and tachycardia that comes with it.

So, I need info to make an informed decision. Thanks again, Irish

[LisaInMidwest]

Irish,

I have recurrent  iron deficient anemia that requires IV iron treatments about ever 20 months. My ferritin was at 7 when I was first diagnosed several years ago.

I get two doses of iron dextran a week apart. It takes a couple of hours to run the IV. I also give myself b12 shots every month.