I have had 2 iron infusions in the past year(each one takes about 7 hours) I know some people have weekly with shorter duration.Guess it depends on the doctor.
As for the reactions,none really,tired during due to the benadryl,but no bad effects from the IV itself.
The first thing I notice after it's done is I no longer desire ice..boom just like that the crave is gone.
You'll be monitored the entire time and they are prepared should anything seem out of sorts.
The following user gives a hug of support to missbliss: Queinie (04-26-2012)
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Thanks Missbliss - I was not aware of the length of time involved. That alone is a great help - even if it is not 7 hours. When I made the appointment the secretary offered no information of that nature. Maybe the first visit will not involve the infusion, altho, my GP made the need for it pretty clear. Shall see what happens. Thanks again,
I just had my first IV Iron infusion yesterday. I am scheduled to take 7 more in the next 7 weeks.
I had no problem what so ever with the infusion itself. My main problem was them being able to find a vein to put it in. Once they got the IV in, and the Iron was sent up from the pharmacy, it only took about 30 min to actually pump the Iron in.
I had no reaction. I did not feel tired or sleepy afterwards. In fact, I went on to work and worked yesterday and today. I read where many people were tired and had flu like symptoms. I guess it depends on the individual.
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Hypothyroidism...Feb 1, 2012.... looking for informed Dr.
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I have scanned thru some of the information about Infusions. Such differing experiences and reactions. What are THE most common, average reactions?
I have had 11 infusions and feel absolutely nothing. I previously had 3 in a hospital due to a pulmonary embulism and felt great...but during the infusion you feel nothing.. hopefully after you will feel better
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I have had two infusions now and they were like a miracle for me! I had them in December and feel amazingly better. I struggled with anemia for quite a few years so this really is incredible.
No, I didn't do too well with the infusions themselves but, overall, so worth it! For me, they just made me so exhausted for several days each time that I could barely do anything. I also felt fluish after the first one. Again, though, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
Hope yours goes smoothly.
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I had my 2nd Iron infusion this past Tuesday. No problems with the infusion itself, 30 min, and it was done.
It did take 5 sticks to get a vein that didn't blow. The 4th stick was really bad, I felt the burn all the way up my arm. Don't know if I can take all 8 infusions if the nurses don't get any better with the IV stick. I know anemic patients have bad veins, but a body can take only so much.
So far, I don't feel any different. My hands did feel a bit warmer that afternoon after the infusion, but as far as energy, I still feel just as tired as before. I go back next Tuesday for my 3rd. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Hypothyroidism...Feb 1, 2012.... looking for informed Dr.
Thanks for responding - I am starting to see a pattern - and that is - inconsistency - but no matter. At least I feel more prepared - for things to be just - whatever they are. Thanks -
Thank you for posting this question. I am scheduled for my first infusion. The office staff didn't give me much info, other than the fact that it takes 6 hours, side effects and allergic reactions are fairly common, and the paperwork they gave me said no "wireless electronic devices." So some of my questions are, what do you do for 6 hours? Can you eat/drink/use the bathroom? Are physically able to really do anything, like read or knit? Can anyone else clue me in on what to expect?
Upcoming First Iron Infusion 
Don't know if I can take all 8 infusions if the nurses don't get any better with the IV stick. I know anemic patients have bad veins, but a body can take only so much. 
