| Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia But Normal Iron Levels
I have hypochromic, microcytic anemia with polychromasia (grey-blue colored red blood cells, and hypochromia is pale red blood cells). Normal RBC count, normal hematocrit level but low MCV, MCH, MCHC, and hemoglobin levels. WBC sometimes shows up as normal, or slightly elevated on recent blood tests, and platelets normal. My serum ferritin is 96 which is well within normal.
I had a test for beta thalassemia that came back negative, but showed low hemoglobin a2 level which may be alpha thalassemia but the test is expensive and my doctor won't order it. The other thing it could be is chronic disease. What could be causing this? How can I still have microcytic anemia when my iron levels are normal?? I still feel tired, and short of breath.
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