I had a cbc done and my hemoglobin was 9.7, hematocrit was 30.1, mcv
71.8 and mch 23.1. My platelet count is 408. I had a total iron test and
it showed Iron total 16L, Iron binding cappacity 532H, and % saturation 3L
and a level of Ferritin of 2L? What do you think this means. I have just
started taking pavilic for the low iron. Please let me know if you have any
suggestions. I will be following up with the doctor after the holidays.
Your CBC states that you are anemic. Your doctor first should find out what is causing your blood loss. When I was first diagnosed with anemia, my hgb was 8 and my platelet was like 450. I was so tired and used to almost pass out if I did too much. I could hardly walk and was having chest pain. That is what got me into seeing the doctor. I had stomach ulcer which bleed, hypothyroidism and had heavy periods which all lead to my sudden anemia. I would also break out in a cold sweat from just doing the littlest thing.
It will take a while for your doctors to figure out the cause of your anemia, but I would suggest a good hematologist.
Now you can have low ferritin w/o anemia. You are anemic when your hgb falls below the normal range. For me, after years of iron infusion, I am no longer anemic but I still battle with ferritin loss. That is something my hematologist and I are working on.
How are you feeling?
I had this problem about 2 yrs ago and thought it was because I had my cbc test just
after my period. It took me almost 2 yrs to get back to the doctor due to reschedules.
I also sat on my lab order for 3 mo. I am out of breath (ex smoker) and tired. But I
just thought it was me. Now that I know different I am noticing more. Headaches,
tired, out of breath. I check in with the doctor after the holidays. I am sure she will
send me to a hemotologist since this is a reaccurring problem.
connie60--You are considered moderately anemic with a 9.7 Hgb, a 2 ferritin means that there is no iron remaining (according to my Hematologist) in the bone marrow as Charlenef stated.
I agree with mbbasketball that you MUST find out what the reason is. Usually, for women the number one and most common cause is heavy periods. I have found through my own experience that it can also be from more that one reason. For me I take PPI's, don't eat red meat and I also had an ablation for heavy periods. I am also Hypo-T with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and most people with this thyroid disease also have a low ferritin happening. Have you had your thyroid checked?
I first went from the PCP to a GI doc to rule out any unusual hidden bleeding next I went to the GYN. The Hematologist is only necessary when you need to have iron infusions if you do not absorb oral iron supplements or have another reason for anemia. Best of luck to you. FLFLOWERGIRL
I had my thyroid checked and it is fine. I am not going thru menepause or do I have any
irregual bleeding, only slightly heavier and in fact sometimes lighter like this month.
Thank you for the reply.
Connie
