I need HELP with latest lab test results:

WBC 4.8 ***Range: 4.0 - 11.0***
RBC 4.07 *** 3.80 - 5.20***
HGB 7.9 *** 11.6 - 15.5***
HCT 25.9 *** 35.0 - 46.0***
MCV 64 *** 80 - 100***
MCHC 30.5 *** 32.0 - 35.0***
RDW 20.0 *** 11.5 - 14.5***
Platelet count 115 *** 150 - 400 ***

Since hemoglobin is low but hematocrit is not, do I need to be concerned?
I know I have low iron (Ferritin level has been undetectable for some time).

What do the other numbers mean??????

Are there any serious consequences with long-term untreated anemia?:confused:
I had blood transfusions but not since 2004. Do I need to be more vigilant in getting a referral to a hematologist? My PCP is not what you would call a "top doc." :(

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

It looks like your HCT is low, 25.9 would be cause for concern. I'd ask to see a hemotologist. When I was first diagnosed, my HCT was 18. My second relapse it was 29.

My bood work was the same with low mcv and high rdw and low ferritin and that means Iron Deficiency .

Definitely get the referral to see a hematologist. They seem to take the iron deficiency anemia alot more seriously. My PCP did send me for a GI work-up but when my bloodwork came back showing I was anemic she just told me to "take some iron",not how much a day,etc.This went on for a year! :eek: I just went at the end of August for a check-up and my Hct came back 24.1 with a Hgb of 7.1. She then set me up with a good hematologist who I saw for the first time last week. He wouldn't even let me leave the hospital until they gave me a bag of IV iron! I now have to go tomorrow and once a week for at least the next 8 weeks to get it. The nurses there couldn't believe I was even walking around! Anyway,the hematologist will do a thorough history and look at your bloodwork and decide which further testing to do. You also have a low platelet count which should get checked out. Good Luck! :)

Shamrock & others, thank you for your response!:)

Shamrock, I am wondering what you meant by "they take iron-deficiency anemia" more seriously? You didn't say what your iron levels are but your HGB and HCT are lower than mine. My main symptom of anemia is awful shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

I'm still wondering if there are any ("severe") long-term consequences resulting from chronic anemia. I had blood transfusions (4) in 02, 03, 04, but never any iron infusions.

Also, what causes low platelets??????????????????

Any and all comments welcome!!!!!!!!!!

UH...Yhea there are lots of complications from untreated anemia. Have you done a internet search? One of the major things that comes to mind is heart and kidney damage. I saw a patient the other day that had severe anemia that was non-compliant and she was on dyalisis and only 24. You are having symptoms for a reason. Please take care of yourself. Your H/H is pretty low. I am suprised they didn't give you blood.

Hi I don't about others, but when my ferritin levels goes down, and my hgb goes down, the only thing that goes up is the platelets and TIBC.

High platelets is common with iron anemia.

Please see a hematologist as soon as possible. There are nearly 100 different types of anemia and not all of them are even remotely related to iron deficiency. You may have an underlying condition causing your low blood counts or you may have a chronic type of anemia. My hgb dropped to below 6and was treated with high doses of prednisone. My platelets were also very low at the time. So please seek the advice and treatment of a specialist. Family doctors just really don't understand all the complexities involved with hematology.
Good luck and I hope you start to feel better soon.
Les

Hi I don't about others, but when my ferritin levels goes down, and my hgb goes down, the only thing that goes up is the platelets and TIBC.

High platelets is common with iron anemia.

Thanks. But I have a low platelet count with iron deficiency (not very low but lower than normal).

I know I need to get a referral to a hematologist. I'm just worried about having an iron infusion because my late mother had severe reactions, and I've read about them on this board.