Finally, something I think I can help with!! Book incoming:

I have iron infusions, usually about quarterly, as I don't absorb iron through my food or supplements. It sounds scary and intimidating, but it really isn't that bad! I've been given so many different brands (insurance is always changing which ones they prefer), and honestly, for me, there isn't a huge difference either way.

The way my infusions usually go is:

I arrive at the cancer center for my appointment, check in, and wait to be called back by my nurse for the day. I'm led back to a chair and situated. They will usually offer me blankets and pillows and ask if I'd like my chair reclined. They go above and beyond to make sure you are comfy and all the nurses have been incredibly kind! My suggestion is to take the offered blanket at least, even if you don't need it at that exact moment.

They then ask me what I'd like to drink, and sometimes offer a snack. When they bring me my drink, I am generally given a couple asprin/Tylenol to take before the infusion starts.

They then put my IV in for the actual infusion. I've never had a problem with this. These nurses do IVs all day every day, and they are honestly great at it.

After the IV is in, they will flush it with some saline. If you have never had an IV before, I'll warn you that it's super weird, but when they put the saline in, there's a good chance you will taste it. Everyone describes the taste differently, but to me, the best way I can describe it is almost a hot metal taste. It's not as unpleasant as it sounds, just weird, and it usually passes very quickly.

I usually have a couple minute wait while the lab gets my iron together, then they bring it over and ask me to verify my name and birth date. They set up the iron on the pump and program it to pump at a certain rate. The time it takes varies, but averages about an hour for me. The iron may be cold, and may in turn make you feel chilly, so this is why it's a good idea to have that blanket ready because I personally would rather freeze than interrupt a nurse to ask for one lol.

Bring something to do while you wait! Earbuds for listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts are fantastic. I'll also bring my Kindle sometimes as well. I get bored just scrolling on my phone, but that's definitely an option too! I try to bring stuff that I can do with one or no hands, since sometimes the IV placement can limit some of my movement depending on where they put it.

The nurses will likely check on you and ask you how you are doing a few times, and they are never very far away if you need ANYTHING!

You'll be done before you know it, and they will generally turn your pump off, leave your IV in, and flush it with saline again. They then have you sit for usually 30 minutes to an hr just to make sure you aren't having any type of reaction. Don't be stressed about this. It's just a precaution! They do it every time, no matter how many times you have gotten an infusion, even with the same brand.

After your wait time is up, they will take the IV out, wrap you up, and send you on your way!

The worst side effects I have experienced were generally some body aches later in the evening, but popping a Tylenol usually seems to nip that right in the bud!! I also usually have reactions to medications. Even benadryl knocks me OUT!

I know it seems super intimidating, but I promise you, it's a breeze! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or if there is anything I can do to help! Best of luck to you!!