My rheumatologist referred me to a hemotologist and I have my first appt. tomorrow. I'm kinda of nervous after reading all of the postings. My blood work so far:
1/30/08 8/27/07
HGB: 8.5 (12-16) L 9.5 L
HCT: 29.2 (36-46) L 31.6 L
MCV: 67.6 (80-99) L 69.9 L
MCH: 19.7 (26-32) L 21.0 L
MCHC:29.1 (31-35) L 30.1 L
RDW: 17.2 (12-15) H 15.4 H

I do have extremely heavy periods, so hopefully that is the main contributor to this possible anemic problem. I hope I don't need to do the transfusions some people have talked about having. I would love to hear any comments or suggests anyone might have. Thanks for listening!

bluiz13--You are moderately anemic. I felt just like you too. There really is no reason to be nervous (other than the power of the mind) about your appointment. Knowing that you have heavy periods should make you feel a little better. Now you just need to fix and R/O things. That is what the Hematologist will ask/tell you to do most likely.

They usually don't give you IV infusions unless you are not absorbing iron supplements and prove that too them on testing values or have a very low Hgb and Ferritin. Remember that you also have a choice and a second opinion if necessary. I'm just saying that to remind you that YOU are in control. My doc told me that they don't want to give blood transfusions until you are 7 Hgb and you are not there, if that helps. Supplements should bring you up if not then probably iron IV from the Hematologist. All docs have a different approach on that too.

Hope that helped a little. Keep us posted. FLFLOWERGIRL:)

Good luck tomorrow

Thanks you for the support!

Everything seemed to go pretty well today. I liked the Dr., he asked a lot of questions and examined me. Mostly just listened to my heart and checked my mouth. My bottom lip is extremely dry and I have a few canker-like sores on my tongue. I had to give more blood (7 tubes), but I expected that I would. And I have an appt. to go back on Friday morning. So far so good!

Thanks again.

Glad everything went well. Keep us posted. FLFLOWERGIRL:)