iron infusion therapy

I am a 70 year old female. I have just come from my 6th iron infusion therapy in 3 years. I had one blood transfusion also during that time. My hemoglobin for the past 2 months is holding at 9.9 but ferritin has dropped from 168 to 11. I have had all the internal tests to eliminate bleeding as a cause, but have never been given an explanation or diagnosis other than my body is not holding onto or making iron. I work full time, of necessity, not choice, in a job I love but still find it quite difficult at times just to find the energy to function. My hematologist is quite busy so really does not do much by way of explanation and before you know it, you're out the door and didn't ask your questions or get any answers. I see him on a 2 month basis. I have tried to research the problem but come up with nothing concrete. I have been advised now to write down all the questions I have and ask for answers at my next appointment. Being a reasonably intelligent person, I can't believe I haven't done this before. If you have any suggestions for me, I would appreciate them.
Thank you.
Grizzly

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several reasons for iron deficiency anemia with blood loss being the most common (as you have mentioned).  As for all the "internal tests", I would assume that an upper and lower endoscopy were part of these tests.  If not, then I would suggest obtaining them.

Blood loss

[ozark]

have you been checked for b12 deficiency?

[shellyB]

Hi, I like you have been very anemic for long time. (I am a 41 year old female.) My ferritin was at a 2 for months but since raised to a 6 and has stayed there. I know exactly what it feels like to be so exhausted you can barely function. Because of nothing being done to address my anemia I have swithched HMO's and am now seeing a new physician. I urge you to do whatever it takes to get the medical attention you deserve from your doctor. I have waited and waited and it has not served me nor my family. My old doctor has still not sent my medical records in their entirity so I am still waiting for a referral to a Hematologist. Please keep pushing although I know it is hard when you are constantly exhausted, day in day out. I have been taking very strong B-12, 400mcg which has HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY! I read about the B-12 on this website. I believe this is what got my iron up from 2 to a 6. I ordered it from iherb.com it cost about $10.00 plus shipping. After taking 1 tablet daily for 2-3 weeks I awoke one morning and felt better. I instantly knew my blood was better and sure enough my next blood test I was up to a 6! It has stayed there but it is much better than 2. Being anemic is a horrible state of sluggishness and it is easy to lose your fortitude when you need it the most. Be strong and please consider the B-12! My heart is with you, Sincerely, Shelly

[z3rockstar]

Hi.  Last week I went in for my first iron infusion.  What sort of side effects are expected or a common or not common when this is done?  Since Last Tuesday I have felt sick, weak and still very tired.  I still don't have any energy and still unable to get up in the morning.  Should this still be happening a week after the infusion?  I am quite worried that it might not be working.  They have done all sorts of tests to see if there was blood leaking anywhere and these all came back negative.  This is so frustrating that I still feel lowsey when the doctor said I would instantaneously feel better.  RJ

[jvandyke]

A related discussion, iron infusions was started.

[moose87]

A related discussion, Iron Infusions was started.

[porshia]

A related discussion, infusion iron was started.

[DBK381]

A related discussion, Iron Infusions was started.

[ilovecats1968]

A related discussion, No one will help me was started.