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What Causes Anemia Along With Fatigue And Appetite Loss?
Hi, My Father is 89 years of age. He is anemic and been so the past 5 to 6 years. All test have ruled out any bleeding internal. Also, he has dementia ( no short term memory). He is on medication for high blood pressure, insulin and dementia. Last May his sugar dropped out and was taken to hospital. Everything was fine except his red count was 6.2. He was given I believe 2 units of blood and we went our merry way. All has been fine. Goes every 3 months for medicine check. His red count 2 months ago was 8.4. The doctor said said all good for his age. Present day, I am very concerned about my Dad, the past 2-3 weeks, Inhave noticed a change in him...........NO energy, wants to stay in bed, gets winded easily, he says his legs hurt, his bottom number on blood pressure in high 40 s , low 50 s. , decreased appetite. The doctors office keeps telling me no worries for his age. I have insisted he be seen by doctor.......this Tuesday I have appt. Do you think my concerns are justified?
Thu, 25 Oct 2018
Hello,
I would also be concerned about your father. His symptoms could be from his anemia, and given that his red count has been low, I would consider giving him a transfusion to see if that helps. In younger people, we might not transfuse for a red blood count of 8.4, but older people often cannot tolerate it as well.
Also, the cause of his anemia should be sought and treated if possible. If he is iron deficient he can start taking iron supplements, or if he is folate or vitamin B12 deficient he can take supplements for that as well.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch,
General & Family Physician
I would also be concerned about your father. His symptoms could be from his anemia, and given that his red count has been low, I would consider giving him a transfusion to see if that helps. In younger people, we might not transfuse for a red blood count of 8.4, but older people often cannot tolerate it as well.
Also, the cause of his anemia should be sought and treated if possible. If he is iron deficient he can start taking iron supplements, or if he is folate or vitamin B12 deficient he can take supplements for that as well.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch,
General & Family Physician
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