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What Do Negative Tests For Colonoscopy Despite Having Neurofibromatosis Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Question: have NF and anemia. colonoscopy and endoscopy tests came back negative. what other tests should be done
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depends upon what your blood tests show

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.

It is good that your endoscopy and colonoscopy were normal. Many patients with NF have bleeding in the gastrointestinal system so it is great that you had those tests done. Further suggestions would depend upon what your blood tests show. If you are found to have blood in your stools even with a normal upper endoscopy and colonoscopy you may need a bleeding scan to look for bleeding in the small intestine which can not be reached with the endoscopes. If it is an iron deficiency anemia you may need iron supplementation.

If you have a low B12 you may need tests for pernicious anemia ad B12 supplementation. If you have normal iron stores and a low reticulocyte count you may need a bone marrow biopsy to determine the cause of anemia. If you have a low haptoglobin you may need testing for hemolytic anemia. Sometimes causes of anemia can be discovered with hemoglobin electophoresis. You do not need all this testing but your doctor should be able to determine which test to do next based on your blood tests.

I hope you find the cause and get treatment soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (11 minutes later)
guess these tests need to be done by an oncologist or a hematologist ? need to ask my primary care MD for a referral>
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes a hematologist would be best

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your follow up. Your primary care doctor can probably do some of the blood testing, but you will probably need a hemtologist to sort it all out and figure out the best tests to do next based on the labs. Good health to you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)
read some material that SSRIs can cause internal bleeding. been on a mix of them for over 20 plus years. can they add to the problem
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not usually a problem

Detailed Answer:
SSRIs are not usually a problem. I would not suggest changing that without checking with your doctor
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Do Negative Tests For Colonoscopy Despite Having Neurofibromatosis Indicate?

Brief Answer: Depends upon what your blood tests show Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your question. It is good that your endoscopy and colonoscopy were normal. Many patients with NF have bleeding in the gastrointestinal system so it is great that you had those tests done. Further suggestions would depend upon what your blood tests show. If you are found to have blood in your stools even with a normal upper endoscopy and colonoscopy you may need a bleeding scan to look for bleeding in the small intestine which can not be reached with the endoscopes. If it is an iron deficiency anemia you may need iron supplementation. If you have a low B12 you may need tests for pernicious anemia ad B12 supplementation. If you have normal iron stores and a low reticulocyte count you may need a bone marrow biopsy to determine the cause of anemia. If you have a low haptoglobin you may need testing for hemolytic anemia. Sometimes causes of anemia can be discovered with hemoglobin electophoresis. You do not need all this testing but your doctor should be able to determine which test to do next based on your blood tests. I hope you find the cause and get treatment soon.