Prayers for Friday

Well folks, it looks like I am headed for my first round of IV Iron Infusion on Friday. My iron levels are dangerously low and immediate action is called for by the doctors. Tests are not yielding many answers. It looks like I will also have to undergo a biopsy on my small intestines soon. In the meantime, I need some help in the iron department.

I looked up the procedure on the web and came across many, many sources. Below is a simple explanation that those of us not in the medical field can understand. Please say a prayer for me Friday as I am little apprehensive.

Also, I posted a blog about what Celiac Disease is as well as a list of 20+ reasons to get tested. I would encourage EACH of you to read through the list. Especially if you are of Scottish or Irish ancestry.

Thanks!!



IV iron infusion

Q. What should I expect from an IV iron infusion? What side effects might there be during infusion and after infusion? How long is it before the iron is absorbed into my blood? How long before I feel better? Will I feel like working the next day? I have heard so many different stories about this procedure, and I need to know correct information.

A. Iron infusions are given for severe iron deficiency and increase blood iron levels immediately.

The most serious side effect from iron infusion is anaphylaxis, a severe immediate allergic reaction that can result in death. Other side effects that can occur during or following iron injection include extremely low blood pressure, flushing, headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, nausea, rashes, pain and inflammation at the injection site, fever and chills.

Generally iron given by infusion will take 4-5 hours and will result in improvement of iron deficiency anemia in 2-3 weeks. Depending on the severity of the anemia, it can take several months for body iron stores to return to normal.

If you don't have side effects from the injection, you should be fine to go to work the next day. Since iron injections can have serious side effects, they should only be given when necessary and by a physician in the hospital or office setting where anaphylaxis can be treated if it occurs.