Iron transfusion

[Biscuitface]

An update: I finally saw a Gastroenterologist locally who not only referred me for an iron transfusion but assured me I could have a transfusion 3 monthly to help with my RLS symptoms. Today I received a letter confirming this. My ferritin was 30. Transferrin sats were 9%. Iron level 9. Hb 123. I no longer take oral iron as I was experiencing unpleasant side effects. I received the transfusion one week ago. I am booked in for repeat bloods in one month. Does any one else receive 3 monthly iron transfusions? I was investigated for anaemia in 2021. Hiatus hernia and diverticulitis were found but I am asymptomatic .

[SueJohnson]

That's great but I am confused by what you mean by 3 monthly. If you mean every 3 months, that makes sense, rather than 3 transfusions in one month. Which did you mean?

I would wait 8 weeks after having an infusion to have your ferritin checked again as it would show higher than it really is after only 1 month

[Biscuitface in reply to SueJohnson]

One transfusion every 3 months. I thought it was too soon also re ferritin but the gp was more concerned about my iron . Would the same rule apply?

[SueJohnson in reply to Biscuitface]

Yes

[LotteM in reply to Biscuitface]

Make sure you have not only your ferritin retested 8 weeks after the / each infusion, but get a full iron panel, including ferritin.

[Biscuitface]

Thankyou Sue

[SueJohnson in reply to Biscuitface]

At first I said I didn't know, then checking I said yes but looking at the article I saw that was for ferritin and looking closer at the graph I saw that the iron levels off more rapidly and should be OK at 1 month.

[LotteM]

I hope it will work wonders for your RLS.

Can you share info on what type of iron you got? And name of the hospital and gastroenterologist? Maybe others will low iron in your area can benefit too.

[Biscuitface]

Hi LotteThankyou. I can tell you I saw Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Ahmed Ali at Kings Mill Hospital. Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire. I did not catch what type of iron I was given.