HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Erythropenia In An Elderly Person Fatal?

default
Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016
Question: My mother -in-law is in hospital but is not responding verbally. She keeps her eyes shut and her Dr has diagnosed her with erythropenia. They have done multiple tests including her bone marrow and they have her scheduled for a blood transfusion today. She is 81. What can we expect? I ask this because we live in a different state and need to know if we need to leave now to see her. Her Dr. says he does not want her to give up but she lost her 2 youngest sons in the last 4 years.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I will say travel and see her now!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother in-law's illness. Not responding with closed eyes is not a good sign. Erythropenia cannot explain these findings and am not exactly sure a blood transfusion would be enough. I believe there is probably another disease condition that explains most of her symptoms. Am pretty sure about this and would rather prefer you go and see her now than be sorry at a later date. Whether she fights her way out of it or not, it's always a win-win for you. When doctors say I don't want her to give up, it means they are really being hopeful than confident!

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Erythropenia In An Elderly Person Fatal?

Brief Answer: I will say travel and see her now! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about your mother in-law's illness. Not responding with closed eyes is not a good sign. Erythropenia cannot explain these findings and am not exactly sure a blood transfusion would be enough. I believe there is probably another disease condition that explains most of her symptoms. Am pretty sure about this and would rather prefer you go and see her now than be sorry at a later date. Whether she fights her way out of it or not, it's always a win-win for you. When doctors say I don't want her to give up, it means they are really being hopeful than confident! I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.