Blood test result worried

[jimmx]

Hi everyone, can you help, I'm a bit worried

My GP rang me about my regular MTX blood test.. He is concerned it shows anaemia and inflammation, which I've shown before, nothing new

He said it's probably just from the RA, or the MTX. (I'm on Metaject 15mg for 3 years now )

-But he said to let him know at once, if I have any rectal bleeding or regular indigestion, upper and lower digestive system symptoms, and he would send me straight to hospital for exploratory upper endoscopy and colonoscopy .. Can anyone help with what do you think he might suspect? - sounds serious... Thanks everyone..!

[helixhelix]

RA can cause anaemia as it can mess up blood cells production, as can MTX. So that is the most likely. Have they proposed any follow up blood test or treatment?

I would guess (and it is just a guess as I am not a doctor) that your GP is just being thorough. One cause of anaemia can be stomach ulcers and other digestive system flaws. If you have no symptoms of any sort or pain then this isn’t that likely but good that you are being alerted to the possibility and what to watch for.

[jimmx in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for that Helix, yeah I'm sure he is just being thorough. He hasn't asked for any follow up, he seemed happy enough that i haven't any other symptoms at the moment!

I left a message this morning for my RA nurse at the hospital to ring me to see what she thinks about it, but she hasn't rung me back yet. I feel better hearing your answer thank you X

[LoneEra in reply to jimmx]

Agree with HH. Your GP is just doing their job thoroughly - and also giving you the opportunity to talk about awkward things if you need to. Not everyone feels comfortable bringing up things like rectal bleeding as a topic, so if the GP mentions it first, it’s easier 🙂 Hope your rheumy team gets back to you soon and you get it all sorted x

[jimmx in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you x

[Marionfromhappydays]

Totally not a Dr but I've found GPs can be quite belt and braces which is not a bad thing I guess.

Alot of things can cause anaemia so sounds like your GP is just making you aware of things to look out for.

I had a few raised creatinine results and GP sent me for a ultra sound on my kidneys, I told rhematology and they raised their eyebrows and said GP was being overzealous but hey I was being looked after so all is good (everything was ok too).

Give rhematology a ring and run it past them 👍

[dickfend]

Hi I have RA and have Infliximab infusions every 6 weeks, take Methotrexate and take Naproxzin. My Rheumy dept noticed my Haemoglobin levels were quite low over a period of time and thought that I must be losing blood internally. I then got sent for Endoscopy and Colonscopy investigation. The colon was normal but I saw on the screen when the camera got to my stomach that it was very red. The specialist thought it was the Naproxzin that is causing the problem so my gp has changed my gastro protection tablet. I hope this does the job as I have been rated as being chronically anaemic which I understand can be caused by RA.

[AgedCrone]

If I were you I’d speak to your rheumy nurse & ask her to inform your Rheumatologist who prescribes the methotrexate.It’s hardly comforting to think you may develop these symptoms if you remain on these drugs is it?

[jimmx]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies! It is so comforting knowing you are all out there to hear your experiences.

My Rheumy nurse rang me this morning and said she is not at all worried about it - RA the usual suspect of course! Bur I will certainly watch for any other symptoms as my Dr said. Thank you everyone! XX

[Mmrr]

Your GP maybe is just being thorough, but I would want some more information...Maybe your rheumatology nurse can shed some light. A follow up blood test sounds wise too.

[jimmx]

Thank you, yes I will book a follow up test, the nurse thought it a good idea as well x