Anaemia- CALR+ET

[gilded]

The Consultant Haematologist(NHS) has told me that recent blood tests indicate anaemia. Haemaglobin level 110x10gl. He doesn’t consider this is caused by interferon. He has ordered further haematinic assays.

I eat a balanced diet so can’t understand why I’m anaemic- never have been. Would welcome suggestions as to how this has arisen and what I should do to combat it?

Could it signal a symptom of something more sinister?

[jointpain]

You are only just barely anemic, as you have ET I would expect you to be more interested in platelet numbers. If they are on the low side, maybe a reduction of your meds would be an option, which would allow your reds to increase. Or your anemia is possibly caused by a small GI bleed.

[gilded in reply to jointpain]

Thanks. What is GI bleed ?

[Mwalimu in reply to gilded]

Have you by any chance had a COVID vaccination recent to the diagnosis of anaemia? In my case - no real evidence other than never been anaemic and eat well although was violently ill after vaccination - I had a dramatic fall in haemoglobin and have been diagnosed as iron deficient. I have wondered if there is a link. Sallie

[gilded in reply to Mwalimu]

Hi Mwalimu! Thank for your contribution. My last Covid vacc. was several months ago.

[jointpain in reply to gilded]

GI bleed is a gastro-intestinal bleed. My wife has had a few acute bleeds but is currently being accused of having a chronic gi bleed and having a number of blood transfusions recently.

[Wyebird]

Hi, I too have ET Calr. I’ve always had trouble with low haemoglobin.. it went as low as 93 whilst on Hydroxicarbomide. Since being on Peg it has slowly risen to above 110 but still fluctuates. Your level isn’t considered alarming it really depends on what it used to be before diagnosis. Being new to interferon could be the cause. It’s good to know he is keeping an eye on it.

[gilded in reply to Wyebird]

Thanks Wyebird.

[cgcheets]

Hi! Anaemia is a common and well known side effect of interferon so I wonder why your consultant is thinking this isn't the cause? Also, 'jointpain' is right in that GI bleeds can cause anaemia but there are lots of other causes, including simple things like insufficient iron, folate or B12 in your diet (even when people are having a balanced diet). Don't want you worrying about having a GI bleed when it might not be that! The haematinic assays are to check the levels of these nutrients.

[gilded]

Thanks cgsheets

[dburbax]

My husband has had ET for 10 years, then was diagnosed with secondary MF (myelofibrosis) which is what caused his anemia.