Ferinject - 1 month post infusion
I came to here so many times for reassurance post anaemia diagnosis and after an iron infusion referral, I feel it’s only fair to share my experience in the hope it will help others.
Had been feeling really off for a long time, hand numbness, dizzy spells, increased anxiety, hair shedding, brain fog and low energy . Dismissed a lot of it as symptoms of perimenopause/anxiety but after a full blood work up it turns out I was anaemic. Was referred to a gastroenterologist who recommended an infusion after sharing how much I was struggling with the tablets.
My phosphate levels were already borderline, on the low side pre infusion so was honestly terrified after reading so many negative experiences here. Shared my concerns with nurses and decided to go ahead with it (honestly I was feeling so low at this stage, I was willing to try anything). The infusion was administered over roughly 30 minutes + 60 minutes for observation. Again, was worried this was too quick but felt I had no choice but to trust the professionals.
Thankfully I had no immediate reactions. Felt a little tired afterwards but honestly nothing unexpected after a long and stressful morning. About 48 hours later the iron flu started. It lasted about 24 hours but felt like a regular bug, chills, mild temperature and slept a lot. Some glasses of coke and high phosphate diet for a few days definitely helped I think! After that I felt just like I did pre infusion.
And here I am,one month on. The changes have been very subtle but I’m just feeling the urge to deep clean the house (which I’ve neglected for so long because I literally couldn’t). The dust is annoying me again. I don’t feel dizzy or lightheaded when I have to get up and down quickly, the numbness is gone, there are no pools of hair left behind after me and can even run my hands though my hair without any shedding. My energy levels are still lower than they were, but hardly surprising when my fitness levels have been rock bottom for so long. But I at least have the desire/energy to do things again.
Going for follow up blood tests soon to get a better look at the full picture but wanted to share my experience so far for anyone it might help. So far, I’m so glad I went for the infusion despite my reservations. It hasn’t been an overnight transformation, the improvements have been very gradual and subtle. Still struggling with the brain fog so maybe that one is just perimenopause 🙂 But so far I have no regrets. Will update if anything changes but sharing this in the hope this might help someone with the same reservations I had and feeling grateful I was referred for the infusion in the first place.