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Question: hi, i have a ferritin level of 6 and was given ferrous fumarate and no follow up. i have been to the receptionist and asked for a printout of the blood tests which says for Full blood count MCV 98, mean cell haemoglobin 33.4 (above range is noted on sheet), red blood cell count 4.23. White blood cell count neutrophil 4,lymphocyte1.6, monocyte 0.5, eosinophil 0.1, basophil 0.0. I haven't seen the doctor just a text message to collect the ferrous tablets back in December. I have worsening pins and needles and constant tingling in right hand especially and foot, and loss of sensation and my hands and feet are like ice blocks. I am worried about my short term memory too as I can read a book and not remember a thing about it - even the title but I can remember things from years ago. I am a 49 year old woman. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
You may have vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have iron deficiency and you are taking treatment for that.
Your mean corpuscles volume is high. It is commonly seen in vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency. The symptoms you describe are also found with vitamin b12 deficiency. Hence in my opinion, you should test vitamin B12 level, folic acid level and blood sugar level.
If you find deficiency then you should take injectable vitamin B12 supplements.
Go for investigation and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
You may have vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have iron deficiency and you are taking treatment for that.
Your mean corpuscles volume is high. It is commonly seen in vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency. The symptoms you describe are also found with vitamin b12 deficiency. Hence in my opinion, you should test vitamin B12 level, folic acid level and blood sugar level.
If you find deficiency then you should take injectable vitamin B12 supplements.
Go for investigation and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you. I did suspect a B12 problem myself but I do take a high dose of vitamin B supplement. Would this not be enough if I were deficient or is it more complicated. Am I within my rights to ask for a B12 test as I don't think it would be offered. Thank you for your help. Could B12 (or lack of) be causing all the levels to be out of kilt?
sorry, i meant to say as well doesn't a full blood count check B12? thank you
sorry, i meant to say as well doesn't a full blood count check B12? thank you
Brief Answer:
You can ask for vitamin B12 and folic acid level.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
1. It is not included in full blood count.
2. Well, in most countries vitamin b12 and folic acid level check doesn't require a prescription. It is done routinely at a laboratory. If you do have a problem, I am sure your doctor will understand its need and write a prescription.
3. A few individuals have vitamin b12 absorption problem. So even high dose of vitamin b12 becomes insufficient. They need injectable vitamin b12. Therefore it's better to get the level tested. Moreover folic acid deficiency can cause this. So check the level of them and start supplements.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
You can ask for vitamin B12 and folic acid level.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
1. It is not included in full blood count.
2. Well, in most countries vitamin b12 and folic acid level check doesn't require a prescription. It is done routinely at a laboratory. If you do have a problem, I am sure your doctor will understand its need and write a prescription.
3. A few individuals have vitamin b12 absorption problem. So even high dose of vitamin b12 becomes insufficient. They need injectable vitamin b12. Therefore it's better to get the level tested. Moreover folic acid deficiency can cause this. So check the level of them and start supplements.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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