Gosh there's all kinds of reasons for anemia. I assume that they are making sure you don't have some sort of internal bleed somewhere, ie ulcer, or something like that.

I've had iron infusions. It's not that bad, just a long day, assuming you're having the same thing I had. You are monitored really closely too, to ensure you don't have a reaction. Within a few weeks you start to feel so much better, your energy improves etc.

It's hard because when you are so anemic, it just takes a while to replenish what's lost, so that no matter how much you try to eat iron rich foods, or take iron supplements (which can be super hard on your gut), you don't see results.

When is your infusion?

I just finished a set of 4 of these. I was quite worried about how I would feel, but the Venofer infusion itself was fine, and I didn't really have much of a reaction to it after. My energy level seems to be up, so all in all it was a good thing. I realize that doesn't address the stress of why, but hoping the infusion itself goes well for you.

Your post stimulated me to check the web, here's my first find. I learn something all the time on this site. Thanks
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_15-12-2011-10-18-26?newsid=105646

I'm going to see my dr this week to discuss the how/ when of the infusion. My haematologist wants the gastro dr to check me out again to see if there is an obvious cause. I've only ever been low in iron in 2 of my pregnancies and even then it wasn't this bad.
I am looking forward to having more energy and not to feel so forgetful all the time so there's a definite benefit to te infusions as my body's really struggling right now.
I am nervous about a bad reaction as I've been admitted ti ICU for anaphylaxis a few times now. But every situation is different so hopefully I don't react too badly to this. The other thing that worries me is the why of the iron dropping. Does this mean I just have to keep having infusions or will my body eventually keep the iron high enough on its own?

I know for me, I needed them due to blood loss from GI bleeds (I have ulcerative colitis) so eventually the iron counts go up and a one day long transfusion did the trick because eventually my colon would heal and the bleeding stopped. I've only needed one infusion per flare up of my disease. Talk to your doc about that, about how often they think you'd need to have one. It may depend on what's causing the anemia, which I know is kind of up in the air right now.

I was concerned about a reaction too but they really do monitor you closely. I had my infusions in the hospital so if there was a situation, I would have been treated quickly. So try not to fret too much over that. I think if you're going to react, it would be early in the transfusion, ie shortly after starting it. I'm trying to remember so don't quote me on this, but I think the nurse stayed in the room with me the first 15 minutes of starting it at which point she checked my vitals to be sure everything was stable. Then she'd come in every half hour/hour to see how I was doing.

The fatigue from anemia is soooo crushing. There's not enough sleep in the world to make you feel better. I'm keeping a good thought for you that the figure this out.

Thank you

I had my infusion 2 days ago.
I cannot believe the difference. Before the infusion I felt like it was such an effort just to carry my own body around. I was so tired. Also I was having a lot of palpitations.
Today I spent time cutting down palm fronds and gardening. It's been months since I've been able to do this.
Amazing!
I am curious as to how long it will keep my iron up for.
And whether I will need regular infusions now.
I also read that people on anticoagulants can have low iron but the info cincture say why.
Anyway I'm happy with the infusion and I didn't react to it so. I guess I'll wait and see what they recommend

Glad it went well and you're doing better. Do you have a follow up with your doc at some point? If not, and you're not sure if you will need them regularly, just give your doc's office a call and see what the plan is.

I need to have a specialist apply to the hospital for infusions for me.
I am not seeing him until late December . I am guessing by then my iron levels will have crashed again.
It is very frustrating when I am remote and don't always have easy access to specialists
Added to that you really need to advocate for yourself
( luckily I'm happy to do this)
I went to see a dr in another state and they recommended infusions in July. It's taken 3 months to getting organised.
It can be very frustrating.
I guess luckily if I go to the emergency dept I have a history that causes them to move really quickly to sort me out!