Iron infusion

[davina70]

Finally after many many months I found a sympathetic GP who referred me for an infusion on NHS ..a week later and I have an appt next week.Hopefully this will give me a much needed boost my ferritin is down to 18 and my TSA 11.4 ..any side effects on my atrophic gastritis known I would be glad to be prepared please ?!

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm glad you found a GP who listens.

I'm don't know what potential side effects there might be.

Your ICB (Integrated Care Board) or Health Board may publish local guideline on iron infusions and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.

NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Summary)Iron deficiency Anaemia

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

BNF Treatment Summary - Iron deficiency anaemia

bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-s...

[Rexz]

OMG Davina70 your Ferritin is way to low. With chronic gastritis it should be kept above 100. That should be the low if the "normal" range. Please see my post on "Iron Deficiency Without Anemia (IDWA)". There is a link there if a report I suggest you take to your GP. Most GPs do not know if IDWA or how your body sequesters iron with chronic gastritis.

Best wishes, Rexz

[davina70 in reply to Rexz]

Thank you for your advice I will bear it in mind I’m happy to have finally found a GP who is helping me I don’t want to rock the boat as our NHS is in dire straights right now !!

[Rexz in reply to davina70]

Yes, you've got to do what fits your situation. Just consider that maybe, just maybe NHS is in such dire straights because enough people are not rocking that boat.

Best wishes to you Davina70, Rexz

[Rexz]

Btw, I've had 8 iron IV infusions this year. I've had no side affects from the infusions. Just all the iron deficiency symptoms are gone.

[Jason_h123 in reply to Rexz]

8? Wow I thought 1 was plenty.

Personally no side effects from mine in August, definitely beginning to feel the benefits and enjoying not having to take the iron tablets !!

No flags for gastric atrophy as I also have this and asked my gastro consultant prior to the infusion.

[Rexz in reply to Jason_h123]

Hi Jason_h123 , yeah one would have been good enough to get me above the 30 ng/mL which is the low end of "normal" range (30-400 ng/mL). However, my doctor and I decided to get me above 130 ng/mL. It took some time over several months as Iron, unlike B12, is toxic if you have to much and your body has no good way to get rid of the excess other than to bleed. So it was like 3 infusions, one per week, then one week gap, then iron panel test the 5th week, then repeat. Now my Ferratin is 130 ng/mL I will now be tested quarterly and get a top-off as needed. There is a double whammy with advanced stages of autoimmune gastritis because with no stomach acid I am unable to absorb iron and seems that's the case with yourself. But with Gastritis your body is also sequestering what iron you may have available. So those with gastritis should keep there Ferritin above 100 ng/mL whether one has iron deficiency anemia or iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA). See my post on IDWA.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Best wishes, Rexz

[davina70 in reply to Rexz]

Well finally after one infusion three months ago my ferritin level has increased to 202 however my iron is 11 and my

[scnuke]

Something to keep in mind is that there are several different formulations of iron that are used for infusions and not all work as well for everyone. I had three different types that never had a great effect on me and my hematologist went to the oldest type that was much cheaper and it had the best, most long lasting effect. So if you do not have a great result from one infusion, remember to try different types. I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease and hemorrhagic atrophic gastritis and I am coming up on two years without an infusion for the first time in almost 8 years!