What Can I Do About Reducing RBC Count Over The Years?

Posted on Thu, 16 Dec 2021

Question: hello. I am a 49 year old male. I am doing a colonoscopy in August, I have to wait for my 50th birthday in August for the insurance to cover it. I have noticed throughout the last years that my RBC count has decreased a little even though they still fall a little bit over the normal range. During the year range 2011-2015 the rbc was in the 5's and 6's., now they are in the 4.4 to 4.5 range. I have attached the rbc/wbc blood tests with dates included in chronological order from latest test attached from left to right. I am worried that ihe decrease is being caused because of a perceived gradual blood loss of my colon caused because of a perceived colon cancer . I don't have any Colon symptoms except an occssional tenesmus, but that might be my anxiety. I don't see blood in my stool, at least not to my naked eye. thank you.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are fine!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

What matters most if the hemoglobin and you are fine. The RBC number is dependent on the size of the RBCs which determines how many can fit into a standard volume.

There is nothing to panic about. Cancer of the colon would cause significant fall in the RBC. If you are too worried and can't wait for August until the insurance covers for this, I will suggest you do an FOBT. This is cheap and a one time test and will tell if there is any blood in your stool that might not be visible to the naked eye. However, waiting until August is ideal and raises no concern.

I strongly recommend you wait and there is no danger in doing so. Don't beat yourself as all is well.

Keep me updated.

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