Iron Infusions???

[789600Lee]

My GI Dr called today to tell me I will be having iron infusions. I've noticed some of you are having infusions, would this be iron infusions??? I know nothing about it and wonder what to expect??? Could it affect my atrial fib by increasing my heart rate??? Anything info you have would be much appreciated. This low iron and low hemoglobin have gotta go, need some energy.

You all have enlightened me so much on so many Lupus problems, thanks everyone for that.

[RichardE]

Hi, I had an iron infusion back when my Hb was dropping through the floor. It's a simple procedure and quicker than blood transfusions. Some people may have adverse reactions, so they tend to start you off slowly and a nurse sits with you to check that everything is OK. I'm not sure about AF but I do get SVTs and had no problems during the infusion.

[789600Lee in reply to RichardE]

Thanks Richard.

You have reassured me that infusion is a good thing.

Thank you so much for caring enough to reply.

Hope I can help you sometime as this is a wonderful support group and I plan to keep on it.

[Silvergilt]

If anything you may find your heart rate calms down a bit as it doesn't have to work quite so hard. I have infusions and I get the more expensive version which is done in about an hour or so. Yeses are very attentive thru process. Be sure to stay hydrated; I get a bit of a headache on second day but I keep drinking fluids and that helps. I hope it gives you lots of energy - I am due another infusion myself.

[789600Lee in reply to Silvergilt]

I thank you so very much for taking time to reply to me.

It is so helpful, I'm almost anxious to have the infusion now, I can't imagine having energy again.

Re the more expensive one, are you in the U.K.?? Wonder if we have such a thing in Canada?

[Silvergilt in reply to 789600Lee]

Yes I'm in the UK. Here we have two types of infusion. One takes longer to do but due to some co-morbid issues for me it was decided I would have the quicker version. I don't have to pay for it due to NHS but it does need reviewing by the NICE panel to be played and my former rheumy argued my case for it. I do hope it works for you!

[Galaxy2]

Hi there

I have iron infusions, it's quite a quick procedure these days and takes about 1.5/ 2 hours for me. When I first had then done it was a much longer process and carried the risk of side effects but they use something called monofer now which is classed as far safer. I would have thought as you have af that they wouldn't do the infusions if they felt it was unsafe.

I always feel so much better afterwards so really hope you too get some benefit as you may not realise until your iron levels are back up just how much low iron affects you.

Good luck with it

Jenny

[789600Lee in reply to Galaxy2]

Thanks muchly Jenny for your reply. Very encouraging. You are probably in the U.K. so I wonder if we have Monofer here in Canada. I will certainly ask about it.

I am so impressed with this group, so supportive and informative. I will definitely be more active with you and maybe I can help someone as well.

[Galaxy2 in reply to 789600Lee]

Sorry didn't realise you weren't in the uk, hopefully yes monofer in Canada or something similar? I feel so much better afterwards, really worth having

[KatieRL]

I have iron infusions every six months or so,depending on blood results. They make a huge difference to me and I don't mind having them! Its a simple procedure and takes around 30/60 minutes. I have infusions in conjunction with EPO injections every three weeks. I really hope the iron infusions help you too - keep well xx

[789600Lee]

Thanks Katie for your information. I am in Canada so hopefully the use the same infusion as you get. I have heard that some infusions can take up to 3 hours, so 30 minutes sound awfully good.

Will keep you informed as to what I get.