B12 / Folate Anaemia

[TM1972]

My latest blood tests have shown a high MCV at 100.8. My consultant has requested a Vit B12 and folate be checked. Has anybody else suffered with this following chemotherapy 5 months ago?

[Jm954]

Hi there,

A low level of vitamin B12 and/or folate can cause a raised MCV of over 100 and anaemia so your doctor is doing the right things. You don't say any more about your blood results and if you are also anaemic.

Cladribine interferes with DNA synthesis and repair and so your bone marrow may still be recovering from your treatment but the B12 and folate tests will help your Dr to decide which it is (deficiency or recovery)

Hope this helps

Jackie

[TM1972 in reply to Jm954]

Hi Jackie, thank you for your message. My red cell count is 4.09, platelets 177, Hb 123 and white cell count 8.1. My consultant seems happy with them but is requesting the B12 and Folate to check for the anaemia.

[Jm954 in reply to TM1972]

That's perfect, great results Let us know what yourB12 and folate results show.

Jackie

[TM1972 in reply to Jm954]

I will. Thank you. So good to be able to ask these questions and get a response back so quickly. x

[2003UK Champion]

Hi, I cannot help you medically, but I think the value of this site is when we feel very isolated with what is happening to us medically we can send a message out to so many others. Also the Leukaemia Care Charity helpline is open Monday - Friday 9am until 5pm and they have a special evening service on a Thursday and Friday 7pm - 10pm. The number is freephone 08088 010 444.

Take care.

[JigFettler]

Interesting!

I have CLL, I had FCR. Afterwards my MCV increased.

B12 Folate normal .

BUT

my amazing GP also took my iron / ferritin level. That was very high.

Normally iron when low will cause a reduction in MCV. When is high it will not affect the MCV.

So my hereditary Haemochromatosis was diagnosed. But for CLL and FCR I may not have known till my liver gave up. Excess iron is toxic.

So... you ask, why was my MCV raised.

Here is my point.

Alcohol!!

I had resumed drinking alcohol in allowable quantities... but FCR had sensitised my marrow in such a way that my red blood cells grow large when I drink.

I tried stopping and starting alcohol, my MCV went up and down accordingly.

You must get your iron checked. Everyone should. Haemochromatosis is a hidden disease. Not too common. Easily treatable if found early.

Best wishes

Jig

[TM1972 in reply to JigFettler]

Thanks for your reply. I haven't touched a drop of alcohol for months. My blood tests for B12 and Folate have come back ok, so my consultant has confirmed the increase in my MCV is down to recovery rather than a deficiency. My MCHC and Lymphocytes have dropped in the last two weeks though. Still feeling fatigued and tired though. Hopefully will improve in time.