haemoglobin

[foxglove]

Is hb 107 anything to be worried about? Thank you.

[fbirder]

107 g/L is a bit low. Do you have iron deficiency anaemia?

[foxglove in reply to fbirder]

Thanks, yes I am anaemic (just recently) pretty certain it's been caused by my not eating the right foods! I'm on my own and to be honest not the worlds most enthusiastic cook. I've started taking iron /vit. c tabs been waiting for gp to contact and advise . Had B12/ folate. . ferritin tested and all "normal" but having difficulty getting exact numbers copied for me. Think it's time to kick up a fuss at docs. but unfortunately I need drs. more than they need me!!!

[JMN2017 in reply to foxglove]

You are entitled to print-outs of your results. Also, surgeries should be making access to results, appts, meds etc available online so worth asking at reception of your surgery what you have to do/sign for this access. Once you have this access, all your results should be available to you online. Note, not all surgeries have got the necessary systems in place yet, although they should have. Good luck

[foxglove in reply to JMN2017]

Thanks I know what you're saying....that's why I'm annoyed at reluctance to give me printout of results Think I met up with a "stroppy" receptionist and (unusual for me!) couldn't be bothered to make a fuss. Roll on next week. thanks for good luck wishes

[JMN2017 in reply to foxglove]

Yes, I know what you mean about not being in the 'mood' to make a fuss.

Be aware that some surgeries apparently charge for a printout!!! If that were the case, I would be tempted to get them to print out and then tell them you won't pay - let them chuck the piece of paper in the bin But then, I'm a rebel (if I'm not feeling 'not in the mood', if you know what I mean)

[foxglove in reply to JMN2017]

Know exactly what you mean good to meet another rebel. Surgery USED to charge (not now) but asked for payment upfront!

[JMN2017 in reply to foxglove]

Upfront!!! That's us scuppered, then LOL

[Ryaan in reply to foxglove]

You’re entitled to a free copy or all copies of all previous blood tests at no cost.

People who don’t have problems don’t understand what it’s like.

Sometimes I also walk away but I go back and make sure I get what I’m entitled to when in a better mood.

[foxglove in reply to Ryaan]

Thanks and me too! Got copies no probs this am, surgery actually phoned to say pick up at reception. Think it was doc. who took time approving!!!

[FlipperTD]

Hi. You're anaemic. It's not possible to say more than that with only one number.

MCV and RDW would provide much more information, but if your GP surgery is being awkward, I can understand your situation.

At the end of the day, they are your results, not theirs. I had a similar experience with being summoned for a repeat blood test. I got 'I can't give you them' from the receptionist. When I asked 'what's wrong?' I got 'I can't tell you'. Eventually I got a printout. It was minor, and easy to explain, but it was simply an 'out of range' number. I hope you're able to sort this out. Good luck.

[foxglove in reply to FlipperTD]

Hi, MCV 89fl (range 80.00-100.00fl) RDW 15.3% (range11.00-14.80%) hopefully this week will get reception to part with printout! I was told "all normal" for b12, folate ferritin in repeat test

PS I got the same replies from reception as you...nothing changes!

[FlipperTD in reply to foxglove]

Cheers! Here's my two penn'orth [from a retired scientist, not a doctor]. Your MCV isn't showing anything yet but your RDW suggests something's going on. If you're becoming anaemic then the RDW will usually increase as the anaemia develops. If you 'run out' of iron, then your MCV will fall and as the MCV falls, the RDW increases because you've got newer, smaller cells, as well as older, bigger cells. This stabilises as all the old cells are eliminated. If you run out of folate, or B12, then the new cells are bigger, and the MCV increases; the RDW story is as above. If you've got a mixed deficiency anaemia then it gets more complicated.

Good luck.

[foxglove in reply to FlipperTD]

Thanks again, let's hope things don't get more complicated. If I get copy of latest results will let you know (and what if any action is to be taken!) I've looked through past results of RDW and on a few it has been higher (same lab range) and has been reported as OK although NOT normal

[FlipperTD in reply to foxglove]

RDW has been around for many years, but the other magic numbers have been around much longer. It arrived with some of the 'more modern' analysers. I'm actually showing my age. It's when digital technology arrived. It's likely that the folks who look after us never actually learned about such things when they were training. It doesn't help when different manufacturers use slightly different methods, and though I could go on [as you can guess] I will not!

[foxglove in reply to FlipperTD]

Please don't be concerned about going on. I've a friend who is a retired lab. technician and believe me can SHE GO ON. Perhaps it's because I'm a bit slow in understanding her, she knows when I get the "glazed over" look time to stop

[FlipperTD in reply to foxglove]

I like the sounds of her... We're two of a kind, and there's lots of us out here.

[foxglove in reply to FlipperTD]

The world need more of you. Lots of us out here who need educating. Docs. very reluctant.... sort of just take med. I'm prescribing and don't whatever you do trouble me with the whys and wherefores. Some of my best friends are medics!!!! would you believe?