Re: Iron Infusions

[Guest guest]

Yes, the infusions are different from the shots. I'm not sure what the

deciding factors are in whether you get shots or infusions. I assume it has

to do with how low your iron gets, and how aggresive your physician is. I

was already taking oral iron (although I did not know I was not supposed to

take calcium with it).

My infusions were a series of 10 IV's over about 3 wks. They took about an

hour to run through, because they have found there are no side effects if

they are run slowly. By the end of the series I was feeling better, but it

was a gradual thing.

I didn't have to go to a hematologist to get the infusions ordered. I went

to my PCP, and then had my surgeon call her and tell what he thought should

be done. I then went to the outpatient department of the local hospital to

get them done. It was time consuming, but it was worth it. It brought my

iron levels up fairly quickly and I didn't have to wait for it to get so low

I could hardly move, before it was taken care of. I wish there were more

PCP's who knew about " our kind " , but at least I have a PCP who will call up

my surgeon and ask him what to do. Occasionally she thinks she knows

better, so I have him call her. It usually works out okay, although it can

get complicated. Good luck, and don't stop until someone pays attention to

you. Low iron is not something to mess around with. It should be taken

care of ASAP. Hang in there!

Barbara Jean

Iron Infusions

> Barb,

>

> Are the infusions different than the shots.... it was my understanding

that they were... I

> also need shots, cause the pills I was taking constipated me so bad I

stopped them....

> now I'm looking for a hematologist to get me going on the shots/infusions.

>

> Thanks,

> Sheila

> =:-)

>