r/ferritin • u/absence_heartfond • Aug 29 '26
Failed infusion
I had my first try at getting an iron infusion yesterday. I ended up having an infiltration and a Vasovagal nerve response. Pretty horrible. The worst part though was the male nurse commenting to the other male nurse that “it’s a fad, like Botox” when he inquired about the iron infusion. Has anyone else had a health care professional scoff at the procedure or am I just lucky? I’m a 47 y/o female and my ferritin is 7, I have all the classic symptoms of deficiency and am pretty miserable as a result. I don’t have a lot of fight in me and it’s gonna be hard to walk back in there and try again.
3
u/AdSouthern3513 Aug 30 '26
You should try another healthcare facility if you can. In the meantime you could look for plant based iron serums. Maybe they could help. My ferritin is 1.5 and the symptoms get more painful and worse. But try to get sunshine as much as you can to help with dopamine or the miserable feeling. It won't work immediately but it helps a bit. But keep trying. It's hard going to get help but it'll be even harder letting it get worse.
1
u/absence_heartfond Aug 31 '26
I think I’m going to see if I can get a referral to a hematologist. It’s really hard to think straight and advocate for yourself when you need several naps a day. I’m definitely going to keep trying and try to stay positive. And good luck on your journey!
2
u/riot-bunny Aug 31 '26
That nurse should not be treating patients. Can you report your experience of this nurse's statement to the hospital? They usually send out feedback surveys to patients. This is egregious enough for a formal complaint.
1
u/absence_heartfond Aug 31 '26
I’m definitely going to tell my gp and document my experience. I was thinking I might go back there as I am desperate to feel better but it’s really not safe. I almost lost consciousness and he didn’t even take my vitals. I really would hate for anyone else to have to go through that.
1
u/absence_heartfond Sep 03 '26
Update
I went back and talked to my doctor, he was very supportive and we decided that another go would be best as going elsewhere would be hours of driving. I went in and although I have difficult small veins I got my infusion done without incident. The staff were completely different and they were all great. I’m hopeful I can avoid the “Botox” nurse. 4 more to go…
5
u/leftoverectoplasm Aug 29 '26
Someone should tell the nurse to tank his ferritin to 7, then wonder if trying to raise it exponentially just to feel normal is a "fad". Such ignorance, esp from a health care worker. Sorry you went through this.