Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Been Anemic But Ferritin Level Is In Range. Experience Fatigue And Pain In Upper Quadrant. Suggest?
Question: Hi,
My eighteen year old daughter has been anemic (iron deficiency), but her ferritin levels are back in the range at 51. She's still experiencing fatigue, and the last lab results she received were yesterday which showed her MPV at 5.7. Her RDW-CV was at 10.9. I've been concerned for a while about the pain she experiences on her left upper quadrant. Do you have any ideas?
My eighteen year old daughter has been anemic (iron deficiency), but her ferritin levels are back in the range at 51. She's still experiencing fatigue, and the last lab results she received were yesterday which showed her MPV at 5.7. Her RDW-CV was at 10.9. I've been concerned for a while about the pain she experiences on her left upper quadrant. Do you have any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I understand the our level is improved. I wonder if the hemoglobin has returned to normal as well. If you could provide me with that additional information I would appreciate it.
You also mentioned that she is having some trouble with gastroesophageal reflux. this can sometimes contribute to left upper quadrant pain.
The most common cause of bleeding during menstrual cycles. The iron supplementation should help with this and hopefully the hemoglobin is close to normal at this time.
If she continues to have abdominal pain I would recommend consideration of a visit with a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist might consider looking inside the esophagus and stomach to see if there is anything that might be contributing to her symptoms.
one additional possibility would be a consideration of a short course of acid blocking medication such as Prilosec for 2 to 4 weeks to see if this provides improvement of symptoms. If she has some type of inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining or even possibly an ulcer this can contribute to some of the symptoms you have reported.
Thank you again for sending your question. Please let me know if you have any additional specific concerns or information that you would like to discuss.
Dr Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I understand the our level is improved. I wonder if the hemoglobin has returned to normal as well. If you could provide me with that additional information I would appreciate it.
You also mentioned that she is having some trouble with gastroesophageal reflux. this can sometimes contribute to left upper quadrant pain.
The most common cause of bleeding during menstrual cycles. The iron supplementation should help with this and hopefully the hemoglobin is close to normal at this time.
If she continues to have abdominal pain I would recommend consideration of a visit with a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist might consider looking inside the esophagus and stomach to see if there is anything that might be contributing to her symptoms.
one additional possibility would be a consideration of a short course of acid blocking medication such as Prilosec for 2 to 4 weeks to see if this provides improvement of symptoms. If she has some type of inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining or even possibly an ulcer this can contribute to some of the symptoms you have reported.
Thank you again for sending your question. Please let me know if you have any additional specific concerns or information that you would like to discuss.
Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
Her hemoglobin is in the range at 15.9, but what is interesting about that is that it had always been in the range. You didn't address the MPV, and I'm wondering if the value 5.7 should be a concern? She also reported today that she has blood in her stools. My daughter is going to school in another State and I'm not sure what to do so far away.
Thanks!
Her hemoglobin is in the range at 15.9, but what is interesting about that is that it had always been in the range. You didn't address the MPV, and I'm wondering if the value 5.7 should be a concern? She also reported today that she has blood in her stools. My daughter is going to school in another State and I'm not sure what to do so far away.
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
MPV or mean platelet volume is a measure of the average size of platelets. In this case I do not see any connection of this to her symptoms.
She no longer has anemia so it appears that iron supplementation has helped. There are so many possible causes of fatigue ranging from infection to thyroid dysfunction to immune disorders. to anxiety and depression.
Blood in stool can also be caused by a number of issues - most commonly hemorrhoids.
If she is truly symptomatic I would suggest she see a local physician for a thorough examination to help determine what might be going on.
Again thank you for the query. If there are followup concerns please let me know.
Dr Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
MPV or mean platelet volume is a measure of the average size of platelets. In this case I do not see any connection of this to her symptoms.
She no longer has anemia so it appears that iron supplementation has helped. There are so many possible causes of fatigue ranging from infection to thyroid dysfunction to immune disorders. to anxiety and depression.
Blood in stool can also be caused by a number of issues - most commonly hemorrhoids.
If she is truly symptomatic I would suggest she see a local physician for a thorough examination to help determine what might be going on.
Again thank you for the query. If there are followup concerns please let me know.
Dr Galamaga
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
