When my doctor told me my ferritin level was 11—meaning my body’s iron stores were nearly empty—I finally understood why I’d felt like a zombie for years. My cells weren’t getting enough oxygen, leading to nearly constant heart palpitations, brain fog, increased anxiety, derealization, and exhaustion (many more side effects) so deep I could barely keep up with my kids. For years, doctors dismissed my symptoms, telling me to “just take an iron supplement.” But when my ferritin test revealed how critically low I was, everything made sense.
The Anxiety of Preparation
I dove into researching iron infusions immediately. Knowledge helps me advocate for myself, but the internet is full of worst-case scenarios: severe reactions, side effects, and horror stories. By the time I walked into the clinic for my first infusion, my anxiety was through the roof. The nurse took one look at me and said, “You’re nervous, aren’t you?”
She held up a 10ml syringe of iron—not the IV bag I’d pictured. Before I could ask questions, she paused and said, “Do you even want to do this today? We can stop, and you can talk to your doctor first.” I hesitated, torn between fear and desperation to feel better. Then she offered, “What if I dilute the iron? Would that help?” I agreed, not fully understanding what that meant but trusting her kindness.
Even diluted, the infusion hit hard. My heart raced, dizziness washed over me, and a strange pressure settled in my chest. The nurse checked my pulse because I told her I was so dizzy and after a few minutes she stated the color returned to my face. Still, I left with an “off” feeling in my chest—like an invisible weight pressing down—and mild itching all over and feeling so tiered.
Learning to Advocate
Originally, I was scheduled for five infusions over two weeks. But after the first session, I asked to spread them out. I needed time to mentally and physically recover between appointments. My doctor agreed, and I rescheduled my next infusions. At my second session, I told the nurse about the itching. She was kind but said she didn’t think it was a common side effect, but after checking her resources, she admitted it could happen. I asked her to dilute the iron and administer it slowly. She doubted it would help with the itching but agreed. This time, the dizziness and chest pressure were milder.
By the third infusion, a nurse explained why they’d switched from IV pumps to syringes: a hurricane had caused a saline shortage. When I asked about alternatives, she offered to try the pump method. I hesitated—she’d already prepared the syringe—but she insisted. To my surprise, that infusion felt smoother: no dizziness, no itching. But later, the strange chest pressure returned, a different, more intense “off” feeling settled in my chest. It lingered all day, like a shadow I couldn’t shake.
Unexpected Emotions
After my second and third infusions, I noticed small wins: a full day without napping. For the past six months, I’d needed 10 hours of sleep plus a multi-hour nap just to function. Before that, the fatigue had been milder but constant—I’d always felt drained, even after a “good” night’s sleep. Friends would joke, “I wish I had your kid’s energy!” or gasp when I said I didn’t drink coffee. I blamed my exhaustion on age, motherhood, or my caffeine-free life. Everyone’s tired, I told myself. This is just how it is.
But when napping became non-negotiable—when I missed playdates, let laundry pile up, or cut storytime short because I couldn’t keep my eyes open—I realized this wasn’t normal. One night, I sobbed to my husband, grieving the moments I’d lost with our kids. “I’m here, but I’m not here,” I said. It made me so sad to think how easily this could’ve been treated years ago.
It also made me fiercely grateful for my husband, who carried us through years of symptoms without a single eye-roll or sigh when I needed to collapse into bed. Not once did he make me feel guilty for needing rest—just steady kindness, even on my worst days.
Final Infusion
For my fifth and final infusion, the clinic used the IV pump with diluted saline—just like before. The process took about 20-25 minutes. This time, I only felt a little dizziness during the procedure and about 10-15 minutes of that familiar chest pressure. It was my smoothest experience yet. Still, the post-infusion tiredness stuck around, no matter the method.
The Light Ahead
Today, I’m slowly starting to feel human again (full effects of the infusions take weeks). I wake up more refreshed. I play with my kids without counting down to naptime. I’m angry it took so long to get help, but I’m grateful to God for leading me to a doctor who listened and nurses who treated my fears with grace.
What Helped Me Most:
- Diluted iron + slower drips: Reduced dizziness, itching, and off feeling in my chest.
- Hydration + supplements: Drank electrolytes, took vitamin C, folate, and B12, and ate phosphorus-rich foods (like eggs and yogurt).
- Speaking up: Asked for what I needed, even when it felt awkward.
If You’re Considering Infusions:
Everyone’s experience is different. While horror stories stick out, most people have positive results. Take those anxious “Doctor Google” spirals with a grain of salt. Like any treatment, there are risks and benefits—talk them through with your doctor and never hesitate to advocate for yourself.