Saturday, November 26, 2016

My First Iron Infusion

I mentioned in one of my YouTube videos that I was going to be getting an iron infusion to help treat my anemia. I have been anemic for around 5 years now and have not had much progression on it getting better. At a few points throughout the years I was up to taking three iron pills a day. I'm not going to say I'm an angel and never missed a day but my blood levels remain at an extreme low.


I struggled with all the symptoms of having an iron deficiency. Being exhausted was an understatement. I had what I called functional tired and non-functional tired. That is how I lived daily. I also had muscle fatigue, headaches, irritability, and more. When I moved to Charlotte and found my new doctor I have been getting all the necessary treatment I needed. My new doctor is very throughout and made sure I get all the test needed to figure out what was wrong.

I was finally referred to a specialist to find out why I was anemic and what would be the best treatment for me. It was determined that the best treatment for me would be an iron infusion. An iron infusion is just an iron supplement through an IV. The doctors feel that this is a better option instead of the pill because more of the iron will be absorbed into my system. This will also eliminate the need to take iron pills daily. The treatment is done in two rounds and last an hour and a half each time.


My first day I was nervous about what to expect. I was in a large room with other people getting treatments from iron to chemotherapy. The start off with giving me regular fluids through IV. Then they gave me Benadryl to offset any allergic reaction I may have, and then it was time for the iron. I was very comfortable in my recliner and blanket and ended up sleeping the whole way through it. My second treatment was the next week and the process was the same. I only had one side effect and that was muscle pain and spasms. The did advise me that that would most likely happen because my body is going to absorb the iron very quickly and kind of shock my muscles. The pain is very sporadic and mild so I don't have to take anything for it.


It has been 2 weeks since my treatment and I do feel a little better. The doctors told me it may take a few weeks to feel the full effect but I am hopeful. I also don't have to get another one anytime soon. From now one I will only get infusions based off my lab work. Cheers to not being tired!!!!!!!!

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