After three months of waiting for a referral for a monitored iron infusion at a Metro South Health hospital, one facility finally accepted the referral and classified it as Category 2. Another month passed with no progress or appointment offered.

During this time I experienced severe dizziness and weakness, despite taking oral iron supplements for over twelve months with only minimal improvement. My recent results showed iron at 17 and ferritin at 41 technically within the “normal” range but far below the level at which I could function. I was told repeatedly that my results were normal and there was no urgency, even though I could not think clearly, work, or manage day-to-day life.

With no hospital appointment and no safe alternative offered, I felt forced to seek an iron infusion privately through an Iron Infusion Day Clinic (ironiv.com.au). This decision was frightening I had previously suffered a severe allergic reaction to IV iron and knew the risk of anaphylaxis was real.

At the private clinic, staff explained that diluted iron can increase the risk of anaphylactic shock and that a true anaphylaxis would usually happen immediately if it were going to occur. They gave me iron undiluted, were fully prepared for an emergency, and closely monitored me throughout. They were calm, informative, and hands-on, and importantly, I did not experience a reaction this time.

Still, the anxiety of having to choose between disabling symptoms and risking a life-threatening reaction was enormous. No patient should have to face that decision because of long waits and dismissive care.