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Looking To Ask A Question About Blood Work. Low Hemoglobin

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Posted on Sat, 24 Nov 2018
Question: Looking to ask a question about blood work.
Low Hemoglobin, low RBC counts and high iron. Hemo and RBC counts keep dropping with know bleeding internally or externally. Not pregnant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question.

I understand from the question you have submitted that you were dealing with a progressive anemia. This is reflected in Low hemoglobin and red blood cell count.

With anemia it is important to determine whether the cause of anemia is related to blood loss, destruction of red blood cells for inability of the body to generate red blood cells normally.

You indicated that your iron level was normal or high. A four iron panel includes iron level, iron binding capacity and ferritin levels. A full iron panel would be needed in order to determine if you are truly irin deficient.

I would encourage you to discuss this with your primary position. If your doctor does not think you have iron deficiency contributing to your anemia then it would be generally advisable to seek a formal consultation with a blood specialist or hematologist.

thank you again for sending your question. I wish you all the best and continued good health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (9 hours later)
So order a full panel to see where everything is. What shoukd each level be for normal range?Current ferra level is 7 times higer then the high end of the the normal scale.
What is causing the RBC to either be destroid or not regenerate
thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

A full panel would include iron, iron binding capacity and ferritin. If the ferritin is very high it may mean there are other issues which are impairing your body's ability to use the iron to make red blood cells.
A number of things can cause the body to destroy red blood cells - this includes autoimmune disorders or infections. Processes which impair the body's ability to make blood cells include autoimmune disorders and dysfunctions of the bone marrow.

You can followup with your primary physician and if you continue to have the unexplained anemia you might discuss seeing a specialist to explore the problem further.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)
So if there are issues with the Bone Marrow is there a specific test for determining if the the marrow is not allowing the iron to enter and to be stored?
I have had a Prostectomy and some lymphnodes lite up on a PET scan. So is there a treatment to reduce the iron level in the blood if it is the cancer causing the issue? I know some cancers lower the counts but is it possible to raise the hemos and RBC besides eliminating the cancer if that was the case.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
The only way to assess if the bone marrow is a problem would be a bone marrow biopsy - but this would be at the discretion of a hematologist who would do a full assessment to see if you need further lab testing and or a bone marrow evaluation.

Right now it does not appear that you need reduction of iron in the blood. Your physicians will need to assess why the counts remain low and decide what type of further testing might be needed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)
is there anyway you can text 0000 or emai me your replies. rhey are cut off in the app and i can only read part of it. YYYY@YYYY .
anything else that may help please include or anything i may have forgot to ask.
i really appreciate your time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hello. unfortunately must communicate directly through the application.

The next step for you is to follow with your PCP for further workup.

Sincerely,

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. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Looking To Ask A Question About Blood Work. Low Hemoglobin

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for sending the question. I understand from the question you have submitted that you were dealing with a progressive anemia. This is reflected in Low hemoglobin and red blood cell count. With anemia it is important to determine whether the cause of anemia is related to blood loss, destruction of red blood cells for inability of the body to generate red blood cells normally. You indicated that your iron level was normal or high. A four iron panel includes iron level, iron binding capacity and ferritin levels. A full iron panel would be needed in order to determine if you are truly irin deficient. I would encourage you to discuss this with your primary position. If your doctor does not think you have iron deficiency contributing to your anemia then it would be generally advisable to seek a formal consultation with a blood specialist or hematologist. thank you again for sending your question. I wish you all the best and continued good health. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga