MCV

[Wowo23]

Hi all. I've been SI 3 times a week, but my MCV is higher than it's ever been. Any thoughts?

[JanD236]

Have you been supplementing folate/folic acid?

[Wowo23 in reply to JanD236]

Yes. I take 800 mcg's daily. Also iron and one week a month, I take 50,000 units of D

[JanD236]

The main causes for high MCV closest to my own health conditions are low B12, low folate and hypothyroidism. So I guess I’d ask next if your thyroid has been tested recently? If so and all is good, I’d be back to my doctor asking if he can shed some light.

[expatkerry]

Hi, how long have you been self injecting? After loading doses and an injection regime of 3 per week, I only managed to reduce my MCV after 4 months, which corresponds with the 120 day cycle of renewal of red cells. Unfortunately I spaced my injections out and it went back up..... Back to the increased injections now.

[Wowo23 in reply to expatkerry]

Hi expatkerry. I've been self I injecting at this level for a year and a half. My Instrinic factor went down by half so I just assumed my MCV would drop as well

[expatkerry in reply to Wowo23]

Hmm, have you thought increasing your injections?

[Wowo23 in reply to expatkerry]

I just got the results and am waiting for an appt to see what to do

[expatkerry]

Keep us posted. Good luck.

[Happysmile]

Hi Wowo23 , it’s taken me two years of every other day injections to reduce my MCV by 6, ie from 102 to 96. I do have thyroid issues and have also swapped to taking NDT, so I can’t tell which one has helped but I know I need such regular injections, else I worsen very quickly. I’m thrilled they are going down albeit slowly, perhaps it’s taken so long as my B12 was so low. I’d definitely check your thyroid results too. Hope that helps a bit. Good luck.

[Wowo23 in reply to Happysmile]

Happysmile. I do have hyperthyroidism that were treating with Propranolol. That seems to help. I'll check with my doc also. Thank you for responding

[Peepsdog]

This has been a problem for me as well. I am already self injecting daily with my hematologist blessing and taking oral folate. At my last appointment he suggested that I have iv folate added to my infusions that i am receiving for my refractory celiac disease. Hope you start feeling better soon. Seems like we need a lot more than what you are told initially to really regain health and wellness..