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[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.


I have recently been diagnosed with iron deficiency and my GP has prescribed iron tablets to take daily for at least three months.

I was wondering if anyone has had an iron infusion as a way to increase levels quickly.
I understand in certain circumstances this is available on the NHS but otherwise it can be arranged privately but is very expensive.

Any comments would be much appreciated.


Take care ladies.

K.

[bombsh3ll]

Yes it can be arranged privately and is available on the NHS if your iron is critically low and/or you are not absorbing oral iron.

However the first question to ask is why you have iron deficiency.

In menstruating women heavy periods are usually the culprit.

However if this is not you and there is no other obvious cause such as a very restrictive diet or known malabsorption this should be investigated.

[Fuzzwhizzer]

I had extremely low iron after giving birth to my daughter, and even after a blood transfusion of four pints I was still really dangerously low. They put me on tablets. My sister in law is a nurse, and she told me the infusions are excruciating injections (don’t know why.) I just took the tablets for a while. They do give you black poo, and a bit of constipation, but it’s worth it. Good luck with whichever you have xx

[Taz2]

I agree with bombsh3ll that further investigation would be a good idea. When I needed iron tablets as my level was low a few years ago I was referred for endoscopy and sigmoidoscopy to rule out anything that could be causing  internal bleeding. Nothing was found and I found that reassuring.

Taz x

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

Thank you all for your helpful comments.

I will continue with my iron tablets for three months as prescribed and then I will ask the GP for a follow up blood test to see if I feel better and my Ferritin level is improving. If not I will ask for further investigations.
I recently did a poo screening test and no occult blood was found so that was a relief. I have had a tiny bit of spotting for some time so that may be a factor plus I don't eat a lot of iron rich foods so I will be altering my diet.

I will consider an iron infusion if all else fails.


Thanks again ladies for taking the time to reply and I wish you all well.

K.