Iron Infusion - Ireland

[involuntarydancer]

For any sufferers living in Republic of Ireland who are experiencing difficulty accessing an iron infusion (and those who enjoy alliteration), my GP recently organised for me to receive an iron infusion in a private Dublin hospital. I picked up some interesting tips about consultants who would be prepared to order this for their patients when I was in the 'infusion suite'.

If this information would be of assistance to anyone, please pm me and I will pass on details.

Unfortunately, it appears that an infusion is unlikely to be covered by health insurance policies unless you are suffering from actual anemia. It is very unlikely to be paid for by the hse so the cost is most likely to be born privately and is not insignificant. I have not yet had my bill but it was estimated to be about €1,000. However, for me, in spite of not enjoying hugely significant means, I was delighted to get it at all - I had previously considered travelling to the US just so that I could receive an infusion to see if it afforded relief.

[Madlegs1]

Delighted you were able to access it.

It's a pity we can't liaise with the Hemacromatosis clinic in Tallaght, where they drain ferritin rich blood out of patients. I suppose there are so many protocols that would prevent such a procedure.

I wasn't allowed donate my own blood because of the Oxycontin. Even though I'm O- and can donate to enyone.

I hope the infusion will help you.

Slán.

[TheThirdDoctor in reply to Madlegs1]

I can’t donate in the UK either, because I have had malaria (multiple times), even though all the blood tests I have had since my last bout show I am clear. That was never a problem in Zambia where, if you screen out everyone who has had malaria you would not find any blood donors at all. So I have a ZNBTS donor card which is now useless.

[Hidden]

I hope it works for you. 😊

[Waldo18]

Hi there,

Thanks for your post-would it be possible to get some further info on this from you please?

Thanks,

Dee

[involuntarydancer in reply to Waldo18]

Certainly, what information would you like?

[Waldo18 in reply to involuntarydancer]

Thanks very much-I was wondering if you could share a bit about which consultants are more likely/willing to consider prescribing this?

[involuntarydancer in reply to Waldo18]

My GP treats my RLS relying on information I obtain through research. We were unable to find a neurologist who would assist. Three refused to accept a referral of me because they said they didn’t know enough about rls (at least they were honest).

Last year my GP referred me for an iron infusion to St Vincent's hospital and the staff in the infusion centre said they get a steady stream of RLS patients from Dr. Emmet McGrath. He actually specialises in respiratory medicine but seems to have a sleep expertise on the side - probably through sleep apnea. Anyway, I was impressed that he knew enough to refer patients for iron infusions rather than sticking them straight on a dopamine agonist. He works out of the Blackrock clinic so you could try him. If my GP retires, he is next on my list to try.

There is a sleep clinic attached to the Mater private but I had a very bad experience with them. They put me straight on a dopamine agonist, presided over an ever increasing dose and then took me off it with no support, adequate replacement med and no understanding of or interest in the torture that such a step inevitably entailed. That was 5 years ago though so I suppose they may have improved.

[Waldo18 in reply to involuntarydancer]

Apologies for the late reply-I didn’t see this alert until now. Wow-you must have a great GP that they are even willing to look at research that you bring in to them and consider acting on it-I’ve not had such luck with doctors in my experience.

Thanks very much for mentioning Dr Emmet McGrath-good to know there are some out there who are willing to try different things. I appreciate the information very much-thank you again

[involuntarydancer in reply to Waldo18]

In Ireland GPs have the power to prescribe all of the meds that treat RLS and to refer you direct for an iron infusion (though you may have to pay for it - my health insurer was very reluctant to cover the cost because I wasn’t technically anemic). So if you find a helpful GP or one who is prepared to listen to you and you educate yourself and bring along the supporting peer reviewed studies to your appointments to support your position, you may not need a consultant.

[Waldo18 in reply to involuntarydancer]

Yes-mine is not so keen, it’s difficult to find a gp willing to listen. Especially if you are a more complex patient with a few different things going on, it’s very tricky! I will keep searching though

[Coladh in reply to Waldo18]

My GP has listened to my research and as I was reluctant to go down the drugs route to begin with agreed to give me iron injections. I feel they helped but as it was during Covid I didn’t go back to check my ferritin for over a year after. I’m planning to try the injections again if she is still agreeable. Otherwise only taking magnesium, legs are not great at all at the moment. Any suggestions? I am in Cork.