Re: Iron thru IV

I had my first visit to a hematologist today where he immediately ordered me to have an iron infusion through IV (first of three infusion therapy treatments scheduled for the next three weeks).

My former primary doctor diagnosed me with thalassemia (mediteranean anemia) in 1998 and put me on iron supplements and a stool softener. It honestly did nothing for my iron levels and just caused more gastro problems than anything.

I decided to get more bloodwork with my new primary doctor in pursuit of seeing a hematologist to verify if I do have thalassemia and if so, what type/severity? If not - then figure out why my iron and hemoglobin levels are so low and how to treat it. The hematologist said my iron levels are rock bottom - one level is 2 (normal range is 11-350) and the other level is 4 (normal range is 20-100). I can't remember what the levels represent - but i think it's iron and hemaglobin.

What are the side effects of getting iron infusions??