hi i just did an anemia test and it was 8.3, 2 months ago my doctor did it and said it was borderline (12 i think) and that it cant have changed in 2 months. he was obviously wrong. is 8.3 bad? he gave me 200 ferrous sulphate at the time and bcos i cudnt take them bcos of the side effects he just said leave it. is severe tiredness, light headedness, dizzy, weakness, headaches, swelled eyelids, shortness of breath all symptoms of this. im taking spatone now which i found myself on the internet. just wanted to know if 8.3 is bad and whether all my symptoms are bcos of that. ive also got chronic sinusitis at the moment so its not good at all :( neway thanks

I have had a similiar experience. I had a test in May and my reading was 12.9, but by July I had a reading of 8.3 too. So it can change in 2 months, but mine was due to heavy menstral bleeding due to a hormone problem. I have some of the same symptoms you have, also the swollen eyelids that have come and gone for the past three months. My husband who is a nurse says it may be due to the capillaries being fragile from the anemia and I tend to rub my eyes a lot.My doctor said I almost needed a transfusion. I take slow Fe once a day, and in a 6 weeks my latest reading was 9.9, so it is going up. I also had severe headaches and some days incredible fatigue. Hang in there and talk to your doctor about some iron.

thank you for ur reply, so you nearly needed a transfusion because of the 8.3? i hope not thats scarin me now. im gona go c my doctor this week but he will wana check it again which means waitin another week for results :(

Hi, new here and reading posts about anemia...........I have an ongoing struggle with anemia as I have very heavy periods, and right now I'm being tested for low thyroid (anemia is a symptom of low thyroid, but low thyroid can also be a symptom of anemia.....though we have heavy periods, our bodies may not be able to replace the red blood cells adequately because low thyroid can hinder the stimulation of red blood cell developement in the bone marrow.........).

I did have a blood transfusion 2 yrs. ago, my hemoglobin was 7.1.........I was feeling disoriented, dizzy, lightheaded.........very scary. My doc called when they got the lab results in and instructions were "go to the hospital immediately IF someone else can drive you, do not drive yourself, and the doctor will be waiting for you -- you HAVE to have blood transfusion". Seems most docs want to give a blood transfusion if you are under 8.

Perhaps I did HAVE to have one (they were worried about how the low level would affect my heart, although I really don't have a "heart condition". I wouldn't wish it on anyone, plus they gave me a colonoscopy and endoscopy while I was there to check for bleeding, and I also had a DNC to thin the endometrial lining of my uterus so I would have lighter periods.........this helped for maybe 6 months, but that was it). Since then, I have read several places that "erythropaetin" helps the body make its own red blood cells and reduces the need for a blood transfusion. Since my hemoglobin general is between 11 and 14, I'm going to talk to my doctor and see if I can take that to boost my red blood cell production and possibly then I can be up to or over 15, and hopefully feel better.

Tuff2btired

My hemoglobin was 7.9, my doctor a GYNO didn't seem to think I need a blood transfusion, thank God! I am going to see about a colonoscopy Sept.23..and re-test my hemo in 2 weeks! I wonder if I should be going to a Hematoligist?? My anemia is severe!

emmy

Emmy,
My GP sent me to a hematologist when my hemoglobin dropped from 11.9 to 8 in a couple of weeks. I'd think you'd need to see a a hematologist with a count that low- there may be something going on that's easy to fix that only a hematologist would recognize by seeing your results.

I felt awful at 8 - I couldn't function. How are you coping?

I hope you get answers soon,
Jill

Don't be too scared, I am sure that he just meant that if mine had been much below 8. he would have thought about a transfusion. I went to my family doctor recently and she wanted to do a colonoscopy but I am going to wait until my next blood test in October to see if my level is continuing to rise like it has to make that decision. I know what caused my low hemoglobin, heavy menstral bleeding that I needed a DNC, and had hyperplasia of the uterus with atypical cells. The atypical cells are gone now, bit I need another biopsy in Nov. I don't understand why my family doctor wanted me to have a colonoscopy, when my gyno didn't suggest it. I would understand it if I didn't know what caused my bleeding. So I am waiting it out for the next CBC and Iron checks. If it hasn't risen then I will have the test. I needed a break this summer was a blur and an ordeal, and if i get the atypical cells back I will probably have to have a hysterectomy yet.

When my doctor told me that my level was 8.3, I said well maybe that is why I have such headaches and why after walking 3 miles I would always get a headache. Suprisingly I was walking everyday and pushing myself in the heat, but i cut back a little after that and am starting back now that it is starting to rise

Knitting Girl,
It's interesting that you mentioned walking. I've been low on hemoglobin, but at my last count a month ago, it had come up to 11.9. I just now started walking again and running a tiny bit, but my limbs feel like bricks after exercising. I went to have a count done yesterday because I've been so pale. I just hope I didn't make things worse by exercising, but I've also read that your body adjusts to a lower hemoglobin after while - I just don't know how long that takes.

Jill

Hey Jill,


I Think I will see a Hematolagist, Emotional I am very down, I can't wait to get another blood test to see just any improvement, this board has been great to read and learn and for support! I am scheduled to see about a colonscopy as well...but like knittingirl..want to see if I improve before I go through that.. I do think a hemo Doctor..would be best as I want as much blood work as possible to see how I am ..I had to ask my OB-GYN for a Ferritin test and I think that she should have initiated that herself, or better yet a referral to a Hematologist!

thanks, emmy

jill,
I know what you mean about the walking and exercising. I still seem to get a headache after I walk, but i am trying to keep going, I sort of feel like this is not going to get the best of me. Also i believe all my exercising over the years helped me to handle as low as it got to be. Surprisingly at the level of 8.3 I was walking at a fast pace and busy in my life with bleeding from heavy to light from march until july. I just had this attitude that I was not going to let this stop me. I felt a little tired but i have to say that I was surprised when he said I was that low. my gyno said to me at the DNC I believe you tend to minimize things, and I guess he could be right.I do get tired though of being tired after just a 2 mile walk, that frustrates me.

Emmy, I know what you mean about waiting for the colonoscopy, that threw me for a loop when my family doc said it, i thought why , I know why I am anemic when you bleed from march to july, but I believe they try to cover their bases. The nurse said to me, it is standard procedure with anemia.Well I will wait until i get my blood results in October, I am plain tired of tests from the summer. I will just keep taking my slo Fe. I dont understand why my gyno didn't order a ferritin profile, but he never did. I have those tests for October. He wasn't very helpful when it came to supplements either. he just said well you can take some if you want. When I went to my family doc for my eyes that keep puffing she was the one that I think overreacted a bit about the colonoscopy, but she did say to take iron, so I am. She said oh, if we could only not turn 40, boy do i agree.

I had blood tests last week where my Hct came back 24.1 and my Hgb is 7. My primary care doctor called me back right away and I saw a hematologist for the first time yesterday. My report says that I have 0 iron stores! Last summer I had a full GI workup with the endoscopy and a colonoscopy on the same day. Anyone that needs them should just go and have them. Trust me,if you have a good doctor doing the procedures you won't even know you had them done. Anyway,my endoscopy showed esophagitis and the colonoscopy showed just 1 small polyp that they removed then. Nobody at all seemed worried so I wasn't either. I went for a routine check-up last March and had blood drawn and my Hct was 28 with Hgb 7.7. They sent the report in the mail and said to take oral iron which I have been. Anyway,yesterday the hematologist wouldn't even let me leave the hospital. They gave me a dose of IV iron and I have to go every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks and have a bag of IV iron. When I asked the nurses if that would be it they told me it will depend on my response to the IV. She couldn't believe I was even walking around and said,"it's amazing how the body can compensate."The hematologist seems to think that my iron deficiency is caused from an absorption problem because of the esophagitis and a few heavy periods. He said that you can lose small amounts of blood with esophagitis over a long time and not even be aware of it. Anyway,if you're not feeling well and you're very anemic,definitely ask to be seen by a hematologist. Right away they know which blood tests to order and how to treat you correctly. Good Luck!

Wow, this is very intersting! Knittingirl may i ask how exactly you feel after walking 2 miles.. I do alot of yoga and I believe that that has helpled me overall as well..but a brisk 2 mile walk is pretty good i think..are you in pain.do you need to sleep? exactley how do you feel?

Shamrcok, your story is unbelieavable, thanks so much for sharing that..my anemai is suppose to be from my periods as well..very heavy over the last year. I want to go see a Hematoligist, but I am concered that he will want to put me on IV ion like you, please don't get me wrong here my health is 1st..but that makes me nervous, I really believe in trying eveything else 1st.. do you feel bettet now?
Emmy

I do feel tired afterward, bur no debilitating. I do still get a headache after walking, but it usually goes away after awhile. When I was 8.3 I was walking 3 miles and pushing my pace in the 95 degree heat. I don't know how I did it, but surprisingly I wasn't that tired. I do believe the body must adjust. The worst thing for me right now is the Provera I have to take for 10 days to bring on my period so the lining doesn't build up. Gosh what we have to do. It is great to have the support on this website.

Has the Provera helped?? And how long have you been on it? I am 46 years old and know that i will be menapausing soon, and no period at all.. but my Gyno wants me as well to do something about my heavy cycles, It is a diffucult decision, I haven't been on birth control since I was 23 years old..I have started to try some Natural Progesteron Cream to see if that will help with my periods, but doubtful..Thanks

emmy

hi to all of you. i had a low hemo for a long time -it hovered between 8-10 and i simply ignored it because i couldn't stand the iron supplements-they turned all the liquid in my mouth-saliva i guess- to taste like iron shavings. Anyway months later i couldn't get off the bed without this horrible dizziness and i couldn't remember what someone had said tome just two seconds before! went to md-and found my hemo dropped to 5! he said my brain wasn't getting oxygen and that is why i was feeling so bad. the rest is a long story-it's posted elsewhere on some other board- i'm not sure but since dec. they still haven't been able to get me up past a 10 i keep sliding back down- i go for iron iv weekly-it's no fun:rolleyes: and i'm tired all the time-i've had so many tests and workups-the bottom line is just a friendly warning-take it seriously and don't wait to drop as low as i did!! good luck:wave:

shamrock- i just reread your post-you are so lucky! my md was so unconcerned!! he told me just to get one or two infusions-he's angry at me that i'm still getting the iv -he thinks 10 is fine since i used to be so low anyway!!!! The hematologist i go to insists i need to be brought up to at least 12 to 14-but he has not suggested any tests!! all my testing was by a gi-colonoscopy, endoscopy, upper and lower barrium swallow- i even swallowed a camera pill to see the intestines-so far nothing but a hiatal hernia that they're not sure -now he's testing for an absorption issue. it's not gyn as my periods are quite mild-i'm 47- so there's no where to go there. anyway i wish my hematologist would take charge- i feel like i'm fighting this battle all alone- without all of the support on healthboards i would lose my mind-thanks to you all!!:wave:

Emmy- Go and see the hematologist. If anything they will order more tests than the OB/GYN and PCP's do and they take it more seriously. I see that you live in GA. I don't know how far you are from Emory but it is supposed to be a very good hospital and maybe you can see someone there. Anyway,the dr. told me it will take at least 8 weeks of IV to get my iron stores built up and to start feeling better. The IV iron really wasn't bad at all. Some of them have alot of bad reactions but they gave me one that doesn't. I hope it works! Thanks for asking! I can't take birth control because I ahve high blood pressure. I do have a good friend who uses the progesterone cream for hot flashes that she's getting and she loves it(not for her periods though). Grandkids- I had to have the big GI work-up too. That's where they begin and then they have you go to OB/GYN. You should see if you can find a hematologist that will work with you. If you had a Hgb of 5 I don't know how you could even walk! Mine was 7 and they wouldn't let me leave the hospital! They asked me if my PCP had me have a blood transfusion! Anyway,my hematologist said that having the Hgb that low can lead to heart failure because being that anemic will tax your heart too much. You're the same age as me-way too young to have heart problems. Wait and see if the absorption tests show any problems. If not,ask him what the next step will be in order to keep the Hgb from getting that low again.If he can't tell you then I would see someone else. Unfortunately,medicine is big business like anything else. I'm a nurse and know that they do not take that at all personally. Go to see someone else if you don't feel like he's doing what he can do for you. Good Luck! :)

emmy,

I have only taken the Provera twice, I am on my second 10 day trial. When I stop it is supposed to bring on my period. The first time I took it I only took 5 pills and it started, but this time I am on pill number 10 and nothing yet. We will see, I have one more trial and then I go back for another biopsy. I had 3 months in the spring with only light spotting for a period and then when I had constant bleeding from the end of March to June ( till I could get in to my doc for a biopsy and ultrasound ) my doc found the lining was building up and as a result I got hyperplasia. I had 3 weeks of terribly heaving bleeding from mid June until July when I had a DNC. Now the atypical cells are gone , but he wants to see what will happens with the Provera these three months to see if the hyperplasia will come back. If is doesn't he will take me off of the Provera and see if my body will produce the progesterone it should, but he says it may not work. If I get the atypical cells back I will probably have to have a hysterectomy. I am 45 too, and I know I am in premenopause, and I try to do things naturally, but he didn't like that I had been taking the black cohosh for hot flashes, because it has some mild estrogenic effects and in my case I had plenty of estrogen and not enough progesterone, so I may have been making it worse with the cohosh. The docs today are not very receptive to the natural approach I find. I hate having to take the Provera, but i am hoping it is temporary. My family doc says you don't need your uterus anymore he should just take it out but they don't want to do that except as a last resort. Hope this helps. My gyno said the best thing that could happen to me is if I would have an early menopause, but I am only 45 so I could have 4 more years of this JOY.

HI I AM USUALLY ON THE HEART END OF THE DISCUSSIONS BECAUSE OF ISSUES THERE WITH MVP AND I ALSO HAVE ANEMIA DR.MIKE CHECKS ME ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS AND HE CANT SEEM TO KEEP MY IRON LEVEL UP. I HAD A TOTAL HESTOECTOMY JUNE A YEAR AGO [ AND GIRLS IF YOU HAVE EVER CONSIDERED IT / DO IT IS IS SO NICE NOT TO HURT ANYMORE] ANYWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE MY IRON WAS GOOD AFTER MY SURGERY; BUT THEN IT STARTED FALLING AGAIN. I JUST HAD IT CHECKED AGAIN LAST WENSDAY AND ON THURSDAY HE SAID IT WAS AT 11.4 I WAS BORDERLINE AGAIN AND I HAVE TO KEEP TAKING MY HEMOCYTE PLUS CAPSULES. THEY HAVE A PRENATLE VITIAN IN THEM AND THEY WORK REAL WELL IT IS JUST THAT THEY ARE HARD ON THE STOMACH. IF YOU DONT EAT WHEN YOU TAKE THEM THEY ARE GOING TO COME BACK UP YOU CAN BE SURE OF THAT. AND IF YOU DONT EAT ENOUGH THEN IF YOU TAKE THEM AT BED TIME WHICH I DID LAST NIGHT THEY WILL WAKE YOU WAKE WITH BAD STOMACH PAINS THEY ARE VERY STONG IRON .I TRIED TO TAKE THE FERROS SULATE AND THAT FELT LIKE MY STOMACH LINING WAS PEELING OFF. THEN HE PUT ME ON ANOTHER KIND AND THAT DIDNT HELP SO NOW I AM TRYING THIS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED TO EAT REALLY GOOD WHEN I TAKE THEM .MY MOM IS ANEMIC ALSO AND DR. MIKE SAID THAT IF YOU HAVE A MOTHER WHO IS THEN MOST LIKLEY THE DAUGHTER WILL BE TO BECAUSE IT IS INHERITED. SO THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE LEARNED TO DEAL WITH GO TO BED TIRED WAKE UP TIRED TAKE NAPS ON MY DAYS OFF FROM WORK AND STILL SLEEP ALNIGHT. IF ANY ONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WRITE BACK O.K.? SUSAN KAY.:yawn:

I think you must have meant your HGB levels being 8.3, because there's also "iron" levels too.

MY Iron level is 20 (norm is 50-300) so I'm on Iron Sulfate 220mg *liquid* TID (3x a day)


MY HGB level was 8.1--low levels of iron can cause your HGB to be low.

Yes, you guys are right...norm is 12-14 for Hemoglobin (HGB) and the general rule is if your HGB levels are in the 6's (6.9 or less) it is an "AUTOMATIC" mandatory level for Transfusion.
Now, there are certain people that has to have transfusion with a HGB 8 or less, generally due to their health status-- usually those who have heart problems, kidney/liver failures, Cystic Fibrosis etc... (people with serioius health condition) they are generally considered "people at risk" and those are the ones that get Transfusions 8 or less.
But the general population doesn't fall into those catagory, so the rule of thumb is "In the 6's, must get PICC'ed" (some stupid nurse likes to rhyme & she said that to me while placing a PICC line just prior to being transfused). Before you get confused, not all transfusions are through PICC, theres IVC (central line IV), and regular IV on hand/arm etc...

hoped that cleared some things up.

jen

shamrock and anyone else
you will never believe what happened today!! i am still in shock! here's the true story! I went for my weekly iron iv today-thurs {and in this practice they have you get a cbc first then you are supposed to meet with the dr-but instead my practice mostly has one meeting with a nurse or pa (weird that i still need to pay my specialist co-pay!!-wonder if this is legal??) anyway i had a big 3 hr meeting with a major surgeon and an eshophageal specialist to decide if my hiatal hernia might be the cause of my iron def. well i wanted to tell the hema dr a bottom line} and the dr was right by me so i asked him if i could speak with him for a second- i wasn't scheduled with him of course- and he said "NO" i was flabbergasted. then i was in treatment room for 6 hours you would think he would come in and say ok i got a minute what did you want to tell me- Ha -lol- he never said a single word!!! drs!!! thanks for caring you people on the healthboards are the best:wave:

I think you must have meant your HGB levels being 8.3, because there's also "iron" levels too.

MY Iron level is 20 (norm is 50-300) so I'm on Iron Sulfate 220mg *liquid* TID (3x a day)


MY HGB level was 8.1--low levels of iron can cause your HGB to be low.

Yes, you guys are right...norm is 12-14 for Hemoglobin (HGB) and the general rule is if your HGB levels are in the 6's (6.9 or less) it is an "AUTOMATIC" mandatory level for Transfusion.
Now, there are certain people that has to have transfusion with a HGB 8 or less, generally due to their health status-- usually those who have heart problems, kidney/liver failures, Cystic Fibrosis etc... (people with serioius health condition) they are generally considered "people at risk" and those are the ones that get Transfusions 8 or less.
But the general population doesn't fall into those catagory, so the rule of thumb is "In the 6's, must get PICC'ed" (some stupid nurse likes to rhyme & she said that to me while placing a PICC line just prior to being transfused). Before you get confused, not all transfusions are through PICC, theres IVC (central line IV), and regular IV on hand/arm etc...

hoped that cleared some things up.

jen
.