Original FBC results: Hi all. As I'm... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Original FBC results

Ritchie1268 profile image
8 Replies

Hi all.

As I'm still new to this, can someone explain to me the following please as I've just received a copy of the FBC with the following in Red.

RBC count 3.65

Range (4.50 - 5.50)

MCV - 115.9fl

Range (83.00 - 101.00fl)

MCH - 38.1pg

Range (27.00 - 32.00pg)

I was told my B12 was low at 125 but I don't as yet have a copy of that.

Thank you

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Ritchie1268
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8 Replies
clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support

Hi Ritchie1268 the elevated levels in MCH and MCV may indicate a deficiency in Vitamin B12 and/or Folate. Your B12 level at 125 would suggest that you are deficient but not knowing the range I cannot be certain.

What treatment is your doctor considering?

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (one of many causes of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply to clivealive

Thanks Clive.

I have PA, B12 & Folate deficiency.

I was just wondering what these results actually meant as my Dr didn't explain anything to me. Just said you'll need injections for rest of your life.

clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support in reply to Ritchie1268

At least he got that right.

Be assured there is life after P.A. as I'm still "clivealive" aged 77 :)

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply to clivealive

Thank you again Clive 👍

taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Hi Ritchie1268 Your results show you have macrocytic red blood cells which is one of the common side effects of a B12 (or folate) deficiency.

RBC count = red blood count ie number of red blood cells. Yours are a bit low due to low B12/folate - see below.

MCV = mean cell volume. People with low B12 / folate can have red blood cells that are larger and more oval and don't always have that thinner bit in the middle as usual (think a round frisbee with the middle squished to make it thinner). Yours is most likley high because of your low B12 / folate deficiancy. Macrocytic = large celled. The body needs plentiful B12 /folate to undergo the DNA synthesis needed to produce enough red blood cells. With a shortage of B12 / folate not as many cells make it into the blood and those that are don't do the job as well. This is probably why your number of red blood cells is a bit low at the moment.

MCH = mean cell haemoglobin (in red blood cells). Because your red blood cells are a bit off at the moment, this is off too. High MHC is an indicator of macrocytic anaemia.

Once you have started B12 injections (then probably folate tablets - B12 should start first) then your body will be able to produce normal healthy red blood cells again. You will probably have a reticulocyte burst (an influx of immature red blood cells into the blood where they will mature into RBC a day or two) to bring your low RBC up to normal levels quickly. As your mis-shapen red blood cells reach the end of their lives over the next few months they will be replaced with normal shaped ones. This delay while your red blood cells are replaced with normal ones can be why some symptoms like breathlessness (if you have had that symptom) may take a bit of time to improve.

*edited to remove annoying gaps!*

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply to taka

Hi taka.

Thank you so much for explaining that to me.

If only my GP when I asked could've explained it so well, instead of saying I'll need B12 injections for the rest of my life 🤔

Thank you again!

Ritchie

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply to Ritchie1268

just to add to Taka's response - when your red blood cells are larger and rounder than normal it means that the surface area to volume is lower than it should be which makes your red blood cells less efficient at transferring oxygen from your lungs to your cells - their main function - and without oxygen the cells are unable to do most of the things they need to do - like generating energy. Your autonomic system (the bit of your body that controls things that you do without thinking, or with very little thought - such as breathing) - is likely to register that you aren't getting enough oxygen and tells your body to adjust the processes for transferring blood from your lungs to your cells - so you may feel as if you are struggling to get breath and your heart may start to beat a little faster etc ...

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply to Gambit62

That's brilliant Gambit62, thank you!

That does actually explain a lot to be honest.

Before I was diagnosed with this, I could be just sat relaxing, not doing anything strenuous, all of a sudden I would gasp for air with no warning at all & my heart would beat out of my chest. I'd take a couple of deap breaths then be fine!

I used to think, what's that all about?? It would happen very often.

However since being diagnosed & now finally Manning up & SI regular, it hasn't happened at all since.

Also, I was diagnosed with severe mixed sleep apnoea in December 2016 where I was monitored after feeling exhausted all the time & embarrassingly fell asleep during meetings etc. I was found to stop breathing on average, 80 times per hour per night!

There are 2 types of SA, i was diagnosed with "Central" sleep apnoea, the dodgy one where your brain doesn't tell you you've stopped breathing, wake up! if you don't.......

So I have to have an ASV instead of the standard CPAP machine. I put it all down to all the opiates I used to but no longer take for my back problem.

The thing is, since having the regular B12 injections, I'm wondering if the B12 is helping this also???

I have an app that connects to my ASV that the hospital informed me about that monitors how many episodes I have per hour per night. Over the past 2 weeks, I only have 0.2 per hour on average, anything under 5 per hour is classed as normal.

Thanks again!

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