Opinions Appreciated - Anemia Message Board

MissPoss · 01-26-2008, 07:46 AM

Hey guys,

A few weeks ago I posted about my odd blood results. Someone asked me what some of the numbers were but I was on holidays (sort of) and couldn't give them, but I can now. So here they are:

First numbers are from 03/01/08, second are from 11/08/07 ()=REF RANGE
Hgb 11.2 13.4 (11.5-16.5)
RBC 4.21 4.34 (3.80-5.50)
PCV 0.35 0.37 (0.35-0.47)
MCV 83 86 (78-99)
WCC 5.0 5.4 (4.0-11.0)
PLATELETS 165 190 (150-450)
Serum Iron 6.2 18.7 (9.0-26.0)
Transferrin 2.95 3.84 (2.10-3.80)
Saturation 8% 19% (13-51)
Ferritin 16 2 (10-120)
Magnesium .50 .73 (.70-.95)
Potassium 3.0 3.8 (3.7-5.3)

I don't know what some of those things mean, but what I don't understand is how my ferritin goes up, yet the haemoglobin comes down. To top it off my blood pressure is low.

I'm undecided as to what to do next. Doctor said to come back in 3 months and do bloods again, but I'm feeling so crap. I'm having dizzy spells (is that normal? my hgb isn't THAT low) and feel so worn out and sick in the stomach all the time. Work thinks I'm just being lazy. Dr says if my hgb keeps dropping he'll "consider" injections, but doesn't like to do them coz they're messy.

On one hand I feel awful and just want someone to make me feel better now, not in 3 months time, but now. On the other hand I think "your bloods aren't THAT bad, stop whining and just get over it." I guess what I'm taking a long time to ask is, do you think should wait 'til March to go back, or should I go back now? Am I being too melodramatic about it all?

javasoft · 01-26-2008, 11:03 AM

MissPoss,
I can just give you my opinion about your ferritin level which is extremely low as compared to your older one. Ferritin is very important to be at least 70 to get rid a lot of symptoms including hair loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, memory and concentration problems and much more. There is a huge list which you can search over internet.
Are you on any iron supplements? If yes, you might need to reconsider some better brand as it is decreased with the passage of time. If not, you need to have about 150-200 mg per day. I am taking 54mg 3 times a day empty stomach along with 1000 mg of vitamin c (total 162 mg iron and 3000 mg vitamin c) as vitamin c helps in absorbing iron. I believe that as your level come closer to the range I mentioned, you will feel much better, as is the case with me.
Also, read some other posts of iron deficiency anemia to get more information.
Good luck.
-Zak

MissPoss · 01-26-2008, 03:57 PM

Thanks, Zak.

The result numbers on the right are the most recent, and the ones on the left from about 6 months ago. So my ferritin has actually increased from 2 to 16, but my haemoglobin has decreased. That is why I'm so confused.

I've been taking the equivelent of 105mg elemental iron a day, but I feel more crap now that when my ferritin was 2.

I will start with vitimin c now though, to see if that makes any difference. I just don't know if I should go harrass the doctor again or wait the 3 months..

I also noticed my platelets dropped quite a bit, is that a normal thing? Or is that something that always fluctuates?

Sorry for all the questions guys, just tired of feeling yucky.

japlopper · 01-28-2008, 04:25 PM

MissPoss,
How are your B12 levels? Low B12 can cause dizziness, and a whole slew of other symptoms. Some drs just don't think to check it. But you should.

If you are having dizzy spells, they need to keep looking for a reason and fix it! Take care.

Jill