Question regarding Iron Infusions

[Daltonsmom]

Hello,

My son had an MRE and Remicade treatment last week ( along with all the usual labs: CBC w/ diff, CMP, Sed rate and CRP). Dalton has always struggles with mild anemia and his recent labs last week are a bit lower than usual.

One of the docs on his GI team suggested that we begin Iron infusions to try to improve his anemia.

Has anyone had any experience with Iron infusions? I have not seen his labs myself, but wonder how abnormal a teenage boy's labs should be to consider this treatment?

Any side effects that I should know about?

We are trying to add more red meat and fish to his diet, but the poor kid has trouble eating some days, and he seems to visit the restroom very soon after each meal anyway......so I am not sure how much iron or vitamins and minerals he is actually getting from the foods he does ingest.


Any thoughts or advice would be wonderful !

Thanks!

 

[MamaHenn]

My son (11) just went through a few iron infusions. The worst part was of course the needle stick. And one moment of panic when some of the blood dripped down his arm before the nurse capped it. Other than that, they were quick and easy. He had to have 4total and we went every two weeks. I don't have any of my paperwork with me but I do know that his numbers did go up from the infusion. We did 4 and then were going to re-evaluate to see if he needed to continue. We have not yet met with the doctor to see where his levels are so unfortunately I can't update on that aspect. As far as side effects, there were none for us.

 

[crohnsinct]

Sorry no experience here but wanted to say that my daughter was recently low and doc and nutritionist both said they get much better results with infusions rather than supplements. There are a few studies and papers that I have read that say the same. She eventually turned around on her own so we didn't end up doing the infusions. Good Luck!

 

[Chester31]

My son has also had iron infusions - 4 in total I think, just after diagnosis. As MamaHenn said, the worst part for him was the cannula. No side effects and rapid improvement in iron levels. He's on iron supplements now but his ferritin levels have dropped again so I'm anticipating more infusions soon.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I've had 4. One then 3 ( once a week) about 6 months after. Easy just boring. If he used to Remicade it should be a piece of cake. Bring something to do.

 

[Maya142]

My daughter had iron infusions. They were fairly quick and easy. She felt MUCH better after 3-4 of them - the exhaustion and fatigue just disappeared. Her Ferritin was very low when we started and we did see a hematologist just to make sure she did actually need them.

We did try iron supplements but M had many side effects with them (nausea, stomach ache) and her ferritin just wasn't going up, so we did have to do the infusions. I don't think she had any side effects with the infusions but to be honest, it was a while ago and I don't remember.

Good luck!!

 

[my little penguin]

Ds has not had infusions
But has used an iron supplement since last Jan.
His ferritin was low .
Eating foods rich in iron ( red meat , chicken etc..) can help maintain iron levels once they get back to normal but do not help raise the levels once they are low since so much elemental iron is needed .
Also infusions raise the level quickly vs supplements take months to increase the level.
There is a risk of allergic reaction during the infusion process
Since Ds has had anaphylaxis to food and reacted to remicade infusions plus barium/iodine contrast Gi had him try supplements first -.

It took a bit to figure out chelated bisglycenate iron worked best with food for Ds.
Good luck with the infusions