My Iron Infusion Experience: From Fear to Battery Level 3000

Last Thursday, I walked into my iron infusion appointment feeling both nervous and hopeful. As an asthmatic, I was honestly worried about how my body might react to the treatment. Even though I typically don’t react negatively to medications, the thought of possible side effects was still sitting in the back of my mind.

The medical team took extra precautions for me—they started with a slow IV of steroids and gave them time to work before administering the iron. That step alone calmed some of my fears, but I was still holding my breath (figuratively!) as the iron began to drip.

On Thursday and Friday, I didn’t notice much of a change. My energy levels felt the same, and I wondered if anything was happening at all. Then came Saturday. I woke up feeling like someone had plugged me into a power source overnight. My body was humming with energy, and the only way I could describe it was waking up at battery level 3000.

That burst of vitality changed everything. For the first time in nearly two years, I was able to swim again. Before, the water always felt too cold—my body couldn’t handle it. But yesterday, I slipped into the pool and actually swam, and it felt amazing. It wasn’t just about movement; it was about reclaiming something I thought I had lost.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but moments like this remind me why I keep pushing forward. Managing PKD means navigating fear, treatments, and sometimes the unknown—but it also means celebrating victories when they come.

If you’re on the fence about iron infusions or worried about the process, know that you’re not alone. Take precautions, listen to your care team, and give yourself grace as your body adjusts. Sometimes the breakthrough comes when you least expect it.