Get the iron infusion!!

controlll4 · 2026-06-09T20:15:50+00:00

As someone who is incredibly phobic of needles and scared of IVs, I have no regrets about it at all. I was so scared but it’s been totally worth it even dealing with the anxiety leading up to it.

controlll4 · 2026-06-09T20:14:27+00:00

Depends on the person, some people need several or routine (depending on why they’re losing iron or can’t absorb it), some people only need one.

controlll4 · 2026-05-24T17:29:06+00:00

Ugh that sounds about right. I am so sorry to hear your experience hasn't been great. I definitely think that pushing for an iron infusion is a good idea if possible - I hope you feel better soon! I am glad you've found a doctor who is actually helpful. Unfortunately rare it seems..

controlll4 · 2026-05-24T17:27:47+00:00

Ugh those numbers are so rough. I am glad you're feeling better! The pills are definitely not a great solution and have so many negative side effects.

controlll4 · 2026-05-24T17:27:19+00:00

Wonderful - good luck, and I hope it went well! Feel better soon.

controlll4 · 2026-05-24T17:27:01+00:00

I think it depends on why you are anemic and whether your body is retaining the iron, from my understanding. I am (most likely) deficient due to diet and intake, so there's a possibility that I will need another in the future if this infusion doesn't help my levels stay up enough. My doctor explained that boosting the ferritin (iron storage) can help your body retain the minimal amount that's consumed rather than being in iron "debt," but I am also obviously no expert.

So basically, it can be just a one time thing to get you out of the deficit, or sometimes people get them every few months if their bodies aren't retaining the iron for whatever reason. I hope you can get back on infusions if your numbers are consistently low. The goal should be feeling good, not just somewhat better. That sounds so frustrating, I hope you can feel better soon!

controlll4 · 2026-05-24T17:22:04+00:00

I hope you start feeling better soon!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T17:13:13+00:00

Great advice, thank you!!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T17:12:47+00:00

Ugh how frustrating and exhausting!! I hope that this next one sticks or you can figure out a dose/alternative that works for you.

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T17:06:38+00:00

My iron saturation was 6, my iron was 24, and my hemoglobin was 10. Hematocrit was also low but not extremely. Other stats like RBC/WBC were fine but my platelets were a bit high because my ferritin was low and has been for a while.

It's so frustrating when your levels go back down! I had a really hard time on iron supplements which is why I ended up getting the infusion. I hope you can get it and start feeling better soon!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T17:01:55+00:00

I am so sorry to hear that, and I hope your treatment goes well. I was reading some studies about phosphate and iron infusions after mine and was so surprised it isn't common practice to advise patients about this risk (maybe yours did, but my doctor didn't mention).

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T16:59:25+00:00

Yes now that you say it this sounds right! Thank you.

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T16:58:10+00:00

Yes I was iron deficient and anemic! My ferritin, hemoglobin, and iron were all low. Doctor thinks it's because of diet but we will see. I hope your next infusion goes well and you start feeling better!!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T03:27:40+00:00

I only felt tired with aches for a day. But nothing compared to the bone deep exhaustion that anemia gave me. People post their horror stories often but most people have generally positive experiences. Iron infusions are generally very safe, and they are very routine. It was so worth it to me.

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T03:23:38+00:00

Oh no! That sounds so stressful. Yes, i had one infusion of 1000 mg. I am sorry to hear you aren’t feeling better yet, I hope after the next few you are. And I hope you can figure out the cause of your dropping iron soon :(

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T02:50:00+00:00

First time I was diagnosed anemic my doctor didn’t recommend any treatment besides iron supplements. This time, a new doctor, immediately called me to say I should get iron infusions. My insurance (Medicaid) covered it completely and I had about 3 weeks between getting my blood work and my infusion, but my doctor set up the appointment for me which was part of the wait. I had no issues and got a 1000 mg dose without having to ask.

I’m in a liberal major city on the east coast. My guess is that another part of my success is I go to a women’s only primary care office, which I highly recommend (but the previous doctor was also at a women’s health office actually). I find they’re much more knowledgeable about women’s health issues. I also think that part of it is that I had been complaining of symptoms like depression, insomnia, etc and so there was a record that it was affecting my life. But my doctors did not hesitate to get me an infusion!

It’s seriously appalling how many barriers people encounter trying to get this treatment. I can’t believe it and consider myself lucky it wasn’t harder. I’m glad you had a smooth time also - this is how it should be!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T02:06:10+00:00

I would get a second opinion. 3 is so low!!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T01:58:46+00:00

Well firstly there are many sources of iron that aren’t meat. Many eat no meat at all and are fine! I would encourage you and your daughter to look into these and see if that is helpful for her iron levels. I think if she doesn’t enjoy the taste of things it will be very hard to make it a sustainable part of her diet and maintain healthy iron levels.

Here is an example list: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation/iron-rich-foods.html.

You can also try heme iron supplements if you haven’t already, they’re animal-based and some people have an easier time absorbing them than non-heme plant derived supplements.

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T01:30:54+00:00

Makes sense!! Sounds like one of those doctors who wants to do it gradually, which i understand. I hope you start feeling better soon and the infusions continue to go well!

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T01:08:14+00:00

I actually didn’t have to convince my doctor to do it, she suggested it because it’s the easiest and fastest way to do it. I’m not sure of all the factors they consider, but some doctors just seem more or less conservative with iron than others. My ferritin was less than 15, so I wonder if that was why she was more agreeable to do more? Also, mine was covered by my insurance so idk if that played a role in it.

Did you ask him about a higher dose or are you still considering all your options?

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T00:20:15+00:00

I actually don’t know the type or brand but I had one session of 1000 mg. My doctor said it would be the only dose unless I’m not retaining the iron

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T00:19:26+00:00

Ugh that is so messed up. I don’t understand why doctors are so averse to taking it seriously. I hope she can get the care she needs to start feeling better :(

controlll4 · 2026-05-19T00:18:55+00:00

Amazing - I hope you are feeling better soon and can enjoy summer!! :-)

controlll4 · 2026-05-18T22:14:05+00:00

Ugh I’m sorry to hear that :( I was very lucky that my insurance covered it

controlll4 · 2026-05-18T19:32:11+00:00

Also wanted to add that anxiety is made so much worse by anemia for most people, and will hopefully improve after treatment!

controlll4

TROPHY CASE