TLNR: 36F, heavy period,
low on iron for 2 years like a zombie vampire,
finally a hematologist saw me, prescribed iron infusion (Monofferic 1000mg, 20min infusion),
Saw Gynecologist for heavy period. Start taking Tranexamic acid to stop the bleeding.
6 weeks later I’m a human being again!
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2 years ago, I started feeling very tired, hair loss, ear ringing, heart palpitations, anxiety. Went to doctor, got the usual “you’re probably just stressed with the working and raising 2 young kids”. Got tested for Ferritin, 11, prescribed iron pills, took them, got constipated. That’s basically the end of story. No real follow up.
Until this spring, the other doctor was out so I saw an RN. She tested me for Ferritin again, and it’s still low. That’s when I started googling and found this subreddit, went down the rabbit hole. Reaearched with AI repeatedly. Then I sent her a message wanting to be referred to a hematologist, and she did! Right away! Without me needing to prove how bad I was feeling, without gaslighting, or dismissing what I’m going through. That meant a lot to me.
And then I saw the hematologist, the first thing she asked me once she got in the room is.
“So... I saw your blood panel. Have you ever considered an iron IV infusion?”
Music to my ears. Hallelujah!
And just like that, I got an iron IV infusion, also saw a gynecologist about my heavy bleeding. Did an ultrasound, found nothing wrong surgically. Now I (like many people in this sub) am taking Tranexamic acid during my period and the flow went from 1 hour 1 tampon to 4-5 hour 1 tampon. That! Makes the difference.
Now I’m much much better! I feel like a human being again! I saw my hematologist today. My ferritin went from 11 to 205!
I personally didn’t encounter anything different during the infusion. It felt a bit cold to say the most? And had a small surge of energy the very next day. And then gradually I’m just kinda back to my normal self. Way less fatigue. The heart palpitations are gone. Appetite back. Way less ear ringing.
Wish everyone the best best best in this journey. I hate how hard we had to fight to get what we need. Every doctor I saw, I had to be the one pushing for a treatment. After each results got out, I never got a phone call. I always need to call the office to have it explained (after I did my own research).
And the price? Even with a decent Bcbs health insurance in the US, I owe $2200 for a 20min IV. Worth it for me, yes. I’ve never paid anything in installments in my life. But I’m making this my first (also because it’s 0 interest). Even with the price it’s so worth it, I know. But in other parts of the world it’s never this expensive. In South Korea it costs around $120, in China it costs $40, in the emergency room. In Australia, $250.
If your doctor is dismissive, get a different doctor, get referred to a hematologist. Because it’s so worth actually living a life instead of barely surviving.