Considering IV Iron Infusion: Seeking Opinions
I'm a 47-year-old woman, standing at 5'3" and weighing 144 pounds. My medical background includes a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass that I underwent five years ago, along with a breast lift and tummy tuck correction that I had performed last December. Currently, my medication regimen consists of Mounjaro, which I utilize for maintaining my weight after my successful loss of over 100 pounds, as well as bariatric vitamins, calcium supplements, and iron specifically tailored for bariatric patients. I have also been prescribed Qulipta for migraine prevention and Ambien ER to address insomnia. Recently, I completed my yearly blood tests associated with the bariatric program that managed my surgery five years ago. While the analysis indicated that most of my results were satisfactory, they highlighted a concerning issue with my iron storage levels. As a result, I was advised to undergo IV iron infusions in place of the oral iron supplements I had been taking, with a plan to re-evaluate my blood work in three months. Here are my test outcomes: - Total Iron Binding Capacity: 280 - UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity): 72 - Serum Iron: 208 - Iron Saturation: 74 Lately, I've been experiencing unusual fatigue and occasional "fluttering" sensations in my heartbeat, although aside from that, I feel generally fine. I've reached out to my primary care physician for further guidance since I only meet with the bariatric team annually. Additionally, I recently learned that both my cousin and aunt have been diagnosed with hemochromatosis, requiring them to get blood draws periodically. I have never been tested for this condition myself and am not sure if sharing this detail is relevant to my situation here.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 1:13:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation regarding your iron levels and overall health. Given your medical history, weight loss journey, and recent lab results, it's important to address your concerns carefully. Let's break it down.
Key Points:
- Your lab results show elevated serum iron and iron saturation levels, raising potential concerns that need to be assessed.
- Symptoms like fatigue and heart fluttering may be related to your iron levels, and further evaluation is warranted.
- There’s a family history of hemochromatosis, which might be relevant to your situation.
Explanation:
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Iron Levels: Your total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is normal, while your serum iron is elevated. Elevated iron levels can occur for various reasons, including dietary intake or conditions affecting iron metabolism like hemochromatosis. Your fatigue and heart fluttering might be related to these elevated levels, although they might also stem from other issues such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.
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Fatigue and Fluttering: These symptoms can sometimes be linked to iron overload, but they could also indicate other health issues. Keeping track of these symptoms, especially if they worsen, can provide helpful information for your healthcare providers.
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Family History: Considering your family's diagnoses of hemochromatosis, it’s prudent to discuss the possibility of testing for this condition. Hemochromatosis can lead to iron overload and various health issues if left untreated.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a journal of any additional symptoms you experience, noting when they occur and their severity. This information can help your healthcare provider understand any patterns.
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Discuss Iron Infusion: Ensure you discuss the recommendation for IV iron infusions with your primary care physician. They might also order additional tests to check for conditions like hemochromatosis and decide on the best course of treatment.
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Test for Hemochromatosis: Express your concerns about the family history of hemochromatosis to your doctor. Testing for this condition may be a reasonable step given your elevated iron levels and family history.
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Follow-Up Blood Work: Plan to follow up as suggested in three months to reassess your iron levels and overall health status. Ensure that any dietary changes or new symptoms are also discussed during this follow-up.
By taking these steps, you'll be actively participating in your health management, ensuring any risks are appropriately addressed. Thank you for sharing your situation, and I hope you find this information helpful.
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