Hi! I have had recent blood work come back with results that are somewhat concerning: RBC 3.85 - Low, HCT 35.7 - Low, RDW-SD - 36.3 - Low, Neutrophils 82 - High, and Lymphocytes 13 - Low.

A year ago I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylosis / Reiter's Syndrome (I've posted on the Arthritis board). My Dad has had MDS for about 2 years, and his sister (my aunt) developed leukemia in her mid 50's which resulted in her death in about 4 years from diagnosis. I've been dealing with bone pain, severe bone fractures from minor injuries, joint pain/inflammation, excessive fatigue, spinal changes, back pain, etc., etc. for over a year now. My complaints are being lumped into this rheumatological/immunological problem, but I'm concerned these latest test results might be indicative of a development of the beginning of MDS. I'm not sure my family history has been considered when evaluating this blood work. The immunologist who ordered the tests never even mentioned these abnormal results, or even suggested any further investigation. All he said was my immune system checked out fine and if I lost weight my back would feel better! (Believe it or not, he's supposed to be one of Baylor's best!). My rheumatologist thinks the results are in line with serum negative inflammatory diseases such as AS. I'm worried no one has looked at the whole picture.

Can someone give input? What early symptoms predicate MDS? Should I be referred to a hematologist? Am I making more of this than I should?

Thanks for sharing your comments! :angel: