Hi,

This is for my Nan. She is 85. We got her test results back on wednesday and were told she is Anemic. I asked the GP is it iron deficency but she said no and it isn't B12 deficency either because Nans results are in the middle with both of these. She also said it isnt caused by folic acid deficency. So what type of Anemia does she have?

She isnt bleeding from anywhere and does have kidney disease which can cause Anemia. But GP wants to re-test her in 3 months which personally I think is far too long. Nan fees very poorly with dizziness, ethargic and she keeps falling asleep.

Hopefully someone here can hep. Thank you.

I cannot help you, but just wanted to let you know that your Nan is really lucky to have you in her corner as her advocate. I think you should push for treat ment, if they have already ruled out the other anemias, why should she continue feeling poorly, when she could be working toward feeling better? I do get upset when the elders of our time, seem to get pushed aside, as if being older doesn't deserve the best care possible. Please continue to be her voice, and insist they help her out. Once you start treatment for any anemia, it takes a long time to correct and to start feeling better. Good Luck!

Hi hun and thank you for your kind words and reply. I've been right alongside my Nan since I was 16. I've been her carer since then. I'm going to give the GP a call tomorrow or go down there and get something done. I too get upset at the way the elderly are pushed aside just because they're old. It's disgusting. But thank you again.

Does anyone else know what type of Anemia she may have? I got her some multivitamins earlier that contain Iron and hopefully this will help :)

Mystic,
She could have anemia as a process of her kidney disease - I can't think of the word for it. I have a friend who is anemic due to chronic blood loss as a result of kidney problems.

Some other tests they should run are a Coomb's test and a reticulyte test. The Coomb's test will make sure her body isn't making antibodies to her red cells - that would be Hemolytic Anemia. The reticulyte test (sometimes known as 'retic', tells how many immature blood cells are in circulation, which tells them how many cells are being destroyed and at what age) - that info will point them in the right direction and get them started on a treatment plan.

Just how anemic is she?

Best,
Jill

_mystictiger_, you said that the doctor said your nan's anemia isn't caused by an iron deficiency, so i'm just wondering why you bought the multivitamins that contain iron. although multivitamins will probably help with something.

[QUOTE=childofGod777;2943485 so i'm just wondering why you bought the multivitamins that contain iron. although multivitamins will probably help with something.[/QUOTE]

That's exactly why I bought them in the hope that they will do something and help with her various symptoms. Anything is worth a shot when the GP wont do anything. :)

Japlopper - The GP didn't say how Anemic she was. I asked but they didn't tell me her blood test results and how many WBC and RBC she has. All she said was she is Anemic, it isn't severe Anemia due to blood loss but it isn't mild & its caused by her Kidney. GP also said its not iron or B12 deficency as her levels are in the middle for both of these but she is more Anemic than she was last time (2 months ago). I don't understand because when she was Anemic 2 months ago she was given Iron tablets by the GP & this helped with her symptoms & it was mild Anemia back then - but now its worse & they do nothing. Just the usual re-test in 3 months. Nans results also showed abnormal Thyroid and this is also being re-checked in 3 months.

I recall reading the kidney disease has some relationship with lack of production of a hormone which makes red blood cells. This hormone is called eryrthropoietin. I have thyroid disease, which sometimes can effect this hormone too, but not in my case apparently. The consequence of decreased EPO (erythropoietin) is that one has fewer red blood cells, less delivery of oxygen to cells and body, less capacity for work, therefore fatigue.

I presume the dr was looking at her hemoglobin, which should have been below range, to show anemia?
Also, I would ask if the dr looked at serum ferritin values of your nan in making his determination that she also does not have a contributory nutritional iron deficiency anemia. It is the best measure of iron stores in the body.

If it does turn out that it the common problem of diseased kidneys not producing enough EPO, there is a synthetic hormone to raise hemoglobin, however, I read about this that it has potential side effects, including stroke, (my father had a bad bleed and they were considereing it for his anemia), so you have to weigh the benefits against the negatives.
Hope this helps. See if you can get some info or records to give you and your nan peace of mind . ;)

Hi hun and thanks for your reply. I took Nan to GP yesterday and was told to give her Iron tablets and she'll re-test her in 4-6 weeks. I have heard of that hormone but because the treatment has a risk of bleeding associated with it, I dont know if the Doc will do it for Nan because we all have a bleeding disorder.

Yup GP was looking at her Hemoglobbin and everything in the full blood count range. GP has also made a appointment for Nan at the Asthma clinic because her Asthma has been playing up and she's been given a new tablet for her Heart whereas her blood pressure med has been reduced because this can damage the Kidneys more apparently. Great thing is her BP is in the "ideal/normal" range so Nan is very happy about that. Something going right at least lol. Im sorry about your Dad hun. Thank you again (very much). :)