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I Am 73. Approximately 8 Months Ago When My Doctor
Question: I am 73. Approximately 8 months ago when my doctor discovered that my hemoglobin was 7.9 she referred me to a cancer specialist. I am receiving an iron infusion at the hospital every 1-2 months which keeps my hemoglobin from dropping too low but doesn't bring it up within normal range. My hemoglobin has been running between 9.3-10.1 (should be 11.7-15.5) for the past 8 months.
The CBC with differential/platelet showed the following to be low: Hematocrit 32.3, MCV 79.6, mch 24.9; mchc 31.3; rdw 16.7 (HIGH); Platelet count 412 (HIGH). My Albumin when last tested the first of this month was 3.4 and it should be 3.6-5.1. The albuminglobumin ration should be 1-2.5 and mine is 1.
I am overweight (227 lbs) and diabetic taking insulin, and my weight is carried in the stomach and abdomen, I'm not having pain anywhere except when my arthritis kicks up. I am a vegan and also have been taking vegetable liquid with iron in my daily smoothie. My mother was overweight, diabetic, and anemic and she had to take iron.
The blood work for a complete metabolic panel (14) was normal with the exception of the albuminglobumin ratio. Mine was 1.0 and normal is 1.0-2.5.
The cancer specialist thought at first that I was bleeding internally, but could find no evidence supporting it.
I hope you can shed some light on what the possibilities are for a diagnosis and restoration of health to normal conditions. Thank you. XXXXXXX
The CBC with differential/platelet showed the following to be low: Hematocrit 32.3, MCV 79.6, mch 24.9; mchc 31.3; rdw 16.7 (HIGH); Platelet count 412 (HIGH). My Albumin when last tested the first of this month was 3.4 and it should be 3.6-5.1. The albuminglobumin ration should be 1-2.5 and mine is 1.
I am overweight (227 lbs) and diabetic taking insulin, and my weight is carried in the stomach and abdomen, I'm not having pain anywhere except when my arthritis kicks up. I am a vegan and also have been taking vegetable liquid with iron in my daily smoothie. My mother was overweight, diabetic, and anemic and she had to take iron.
The blood work for a complete metabolic panel (14) was normal with the exception of the albuminglobumin ratio. Mine was 1.0 and normal is 1.0-2.5.
The cancer specialist thought at first that I was bleeding internally, but could find no evidence supporting it.
I hope you can shed some light on what the possibilities are for a diagnosis and restoration of health to normal conditions. Thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello Terry!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I agree with your Doctor that it seems that you are losing blood, probably in the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract.
Another possible cause would be inflammation ( a connective tissue disorder) or a tumour which is consuming your blood or Haemoglobin and proteins.
For this reason, I would recommend performing a fibrogastroscopy and fibro colonoscopy ( if you have not already performed these tests).
It is also important checking for a tumour anywhere in the body. For this reason, a total body CT scan coupled with tumour antigens is necessary ( PSA, CEA, CA19.9).
You should discuss with your Doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello Terry!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I agree with your Doctor that it seems that you are losing blood, probably in the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract.
Another possible cause would be inflammation ( a connective tissue disorder) or a tumour which is consuming your blood or Haemoglobin and proteins.
For this reason, I would recommend performing a fibrogastroscopy and fibro colonoscopy ( if you have not already performed these tests).
It is also important checking for a tumour anywhere in the body. For this reason, a total body CT scan coupled with tumour antigens is necessary ( PSA, CEA, CA19.9).
You should discuss with your Doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Also, MY RESULTSLABS FOR Ferratin have increased over the past year from 130 Aug.2018 to 1486 on July.3, 2019.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
the increased ferritin levels are related to the iron that you are taking and the continuous destruction of red blood cells in your body.
This situation could be related to a tumour, an inflammatory disorder ( like arthritis) or splenomegaly.
For this reason I would recommend performing the above mentioned tests, including also inflammation tests ( ESR PCR, RF levels, LDH, fibrinogen levels ANA and XXXXXXX antibody titer, etc.).
A myelogram may be necessary in order to examine your bone marrow for any possible haematological disorders, if all the other tests result normal.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
the increased ferritin levels are related to the iron that you are taking and the continuous destruction of red blood cells in your body.
This situation could be related to a tumour, an inflammatory disorder ( like arthritis) or splenomegaly.
For this reason I would recommend performing the above mentioned tests, including also inflammation tests ( ESR PCR, RF levels, LDH, fibrinogen levels ANA and XXXXXXX antibody titer, etc.).
A myelogram may be necessary in order to examine your bone marrow for any possible haematological disorders, if all the other tests result normal.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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