Re: question on Iron Transfusions= in Detroit

[Guest guest]

My 5 yr WLS BD is in 4 months and my hemoglobin got down to 6.2 after

delivery. The baby was/is perfect. I, on the other hand, was not.

you said: " It was the lowest ferum count my Hemotologist had ever

seen. She actually commented on how it was hard to believe I was

standing. I was on weekly transfusions for nearly a year before I was

out of the danger zone...then they administered them monthly...and

then quarterly " <<----- My ferritin level was 2. My hematologist said

I had hte lowest ferritin level he had ever seen on a living person.

Then he added that I had the lowest ferritin level he had seen on a

dead person (gee, knows how to make a gal feel good, right? lol) He

said he didn't know how I was working 2 part time jobs (RN) AND taking

care of a newborn, a 9 yr old, a hubby and housework. He said that my

body need all of my hemoglobin just to BREATHE!

Being a nurse, I *arranged* for in home IV infusions. They were

ordered twice a week. I started them in April or May. My best friend

(also an RN) gave them to me, I live 46 seconds away from the nearest

ER so I wasnt too concerned about anaphylaxis, but had epinephrine and

benadryl on hand *JIC*. The first infusion we gave over 30 minutes.

The rest over 10-15. I have never had a rxn from them at all. In all,

I have had 17 infusions and my ferritin level is up to 30!!!! My hgb

yesterday was 12.9. I have soooooooooooo much more energy it's

wonderful!! It only took me a few months to " get back to good " .

In reading the enclosed package insert, Iron dextran can be

administered IV every day, but my hematologist said since it didn't

drop overnight, he didn't want to raise it overnight. My serum iron

level was 8 initially, and yesterday it was 36!!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

My prob is same as yours, my big whopping veins so easily found 2 yrs

ago have disappeared and I am now down to starting the IV's in my

thigh veins. Not pleasant at all I must say.

Now, if I can just find something to make my severe bone pain go away

as easily as increasing my iron levels without causing kidney

stones!!! If the bone pain goes away, I *****may****** consider,

possibly trying to give my hubby his 2nd child (via AI) and my 3rd.

The last 2 IUI attempts for the 2nd baby didn't work b/c of ovarian

failure d/t low iron.

Sheila L & D RN

[Guest guest]

Heya Sheila!

Boy you sound like me. My low level was diagnosed at 1.09! Too

bad " That's Incredible " isn't still airing television - the two of us

could be tv stars.

In the beginning of my pregnancy, (can't remember the exact amount)

my iron was in the normal zone - I believe it was at 12. Last month

it was back to 4. I go in on Wed to have it checked again...and to

recieve another transfusion.

That is AWESOME that you're able to get them at home. My hubby

administers the B12 shots but that's it.

Your post makes me wonder if my sleeping problems have more to do

with Iron then the overall pregnancy and bad veins. I am now down to

a maximum of 5 hours (doesn't matter day/night) of sleep before I'm

up and trying to get some feeling (other than extreme discomfort)

into my legs. They throb uncontrollably and I can't find a good

position no matter what! It only goes away when I stand up or walk

around the house for a while - but then I can't get back to sleep cuz

I've already had my five hours of 'hard' sleep!

It's (unfortunate the same) nice to know that I'm not the only one

out there with these Iron problems. Keep me posted on your pregnancy

and I'll do the same.

in Detroit