Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting in the query

I gather from your question that your Hemoglobin is 8.1 and other blood indices like PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC are all low with a high Ferritin of 368. Also your Vitamin B12 and Folic acid are normal

This seems to be a picture of Anemia of Chronic disease.

As you have already mentioned that you have had a low Hb always, I would like to ask you a few questions:
1. Have you ever had bleeding through any orifice?
2. Have you had symptoms of excessive menstrual blood flow?
3. Have you had symptoms of alteration in bowel movements?
4. Have you been on long term pain killer medication?
5. Have you suffered from Hypothyroidism related symptoms?
6. Have you suffered from chronic infections?
7. Have you lost significant weight in the recent past?
8. Have you suffered from joint swellings or skin lesions?

Here are a few suggestions to increase your Hb:

Your diet should be balanced and include the following,
Meats - beef, pork, lamb, liver, and other organ meats
Poultry - chicken, duck, XXXXXXX liver (especially dark meat)
Fish - shellfish, including clams, mussels, and oysters, sardines, anchovies
Leafy greens of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, turnip greens, brussels sprouts, tomato, potato, XXXXXXX & red peppers
Legumes, XXXXXXX peas; dry beans and peas, such as pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and canned baked beans
Citrus fruits like orange

Since you have been suffering with low Hb for a long time it would be worthwhile for you to get evaluated by a Physician for,
1. Malabsorption Syndromes like Coeliac sprue
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. SLE
4. Hogdkin's disease
5. Renal causes leading to Erythropoietin deficiency

These also present with low Hb levels

Hope I have answered your query

Regards,

Dr Gowri

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