Anyone on IV Iron?

HenHen25

About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with GERD, more commonly known as acid reflux disease, which makes eating (and even smelling) food pretty painful if its not controlled with medication. I've also struggled with anemia for several years. The problem with this combination is that the medicines for the acid reflux make it difficult for your body to properly absorb iron, and iron pills increase heartburn (among other unpleasant digestive side effects). In the past my doctors were able to control the anemia by controlling its cause - (TMI) my heavy and frequent periods. So I went on the pill, controlled my acid reflux, and my iron levels returned to normal.

Flash forward to now, this pregnancy has made my acid reflux even worse and my normal medications are no longer working. I've also developed anemia, my iron levels are down to 9. So my doctor has put me on a new medication, Carafate, to try to control the acid reflux so I can at least eat and hopefully can tolerate oral iron. However, if it doesn't work she is going to give me iron through an IV.

So my question is, have any of you ladies have any experiences with IV iron? Was it better/worse/the same as oral iron? TIA

ReneeDear

I had terrible acid reflux during my pregnancy.   After Ari was born (12 days ago) The doctor prescribed me iron.  I have always had difficulty taking the iron because of how hard it is on your stomach.  My mom went to the health food store and bought me an iron supplement in juice form.  Apparently it is recommended to all new mothers as an alternative to supplements.  It is supposed to be easier for your body to absorb. I haven't tried it yet but I will be getting it from her after the weekend.

JessC28

I was in a similar situation a few years before I got pregnant. I had a stomach ulcer and could not keep my iron levels up. Carafate is a miracle drug! I went from vomiting blood to being able to eat and take iron supplements with a small amount of low-acid orange juice to help absorption. 

HenHen25

JessC28:

I was in a similar situation a few years before I got pregnant. I had a stomach ulcer and could not keep my iron levels up. Carafate is a miracle drug! I went from vomiting blood to being able to eat and take iron supplements with a small amount of low-acid orange juice to help absorption. 

Thanks! This makes me hopeful that Carafate will make it possible for me to take iron orally! I've only been on it for 2 days, so time will tell.

Mommy2Allie

I have been doing IV iron treatments this pregnancy since the begining of nov (which was about 30 weeks for me) I have done a total of 6 so far and my iron level has gone from 9.1 to a 14. i am having a section next friday, so I am done for now and the doctor will revisit the iron levels in the hospital. The only thing that is hard about iron treatments is that they are very time consuming. You have to sit there hooked up to an IV for anywhere from 3-6 hours each time. I already have two kids which made that tricky...the side effects differ from person to person...

HenHen25

Mommy2Allie:

I have been doing IV iron treatments this pregnancy since the begining of nov (which was about 30 weeks for me) I have done a total of 6 so far and my iron level has gone from 9.1 to a 14. i am having a section next friday, so I am done for now and the doctor will revisit the iron levels in the hospital. The only thing that is hard about iron treatments is that they are very time consuming. You have to sit there hooked up to an IV for anywhere from 3-6 hours each time. I already have two kids which made that tricky...the side effects differ from person to person...

Woah, that is a long time! Now I really hope to avoid it.