blood test help

[Nat107]

Hi all, I’m looking for any help and advise please.

I had a bowel bleed in October 2022, with pelvi & tummy pain bloating, referred for ultrasound which sowed cyst on left ovary, couldn’t see right ovary (never seem to see this one for some reason)

And cystic appearance of endometrium so referred to gynaecologist in Jan 2023, still on waiting list to be seen.

March 31 had bowel haemorrhage started with horrific pains in my stomach, passed what felt like diarrhoea but when I looked toilet bowl was full of blood ribbons, this carried on every time pain toilet pass blood, for 3 days pain blood loss and passed a very large clot with a lot of pain. Long story went a & e who said prob infection! Definitely wasn’t. Dr sent me A FIT test which came back positive. I have had a colonoscopy & sigmoid which were normal and stomach endoscopy down throat which found numerous gastric polyps which wouldn’t cause blood loss said consultant. So I’m at a loss where all this blood has come from that passing through my bowel. Been feeling I’ll for few weeks now and my bloods were taken at annual check and I am low in folate so sent folic acid for me to take for 4 months but need a routine telephone appointment with doctor regarding my Haemaglobin

Can anyone any idea what it could be please results below

Full blood count listed abnormal ones

Haemaglobin estimation 109 (120-160) Abnormal

Total white cell count 3.3 (4.0-11) abnormal

Platelet count 321. (140-450)Was Normal )

Red blood cell count 3.86 (4.10-5.10)

Abnormal

Haemocrit 0.33 (0.34-0.47)

Abnormal (been ab cyclic since 2003)

Neutrophil count 1.3 (1.9-8)

Abnormal (been ab since 2021 but cyclic years before)

rest of full blood count was normal

Serum folate 3.0 (3.9-26.8)

B12 384 (197-771)

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Please note that this forum is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Results above indicate iron anaemia consistent with a continuing bleed, particularly as the number of red blood cells continues to be low. However, as above - not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If you have a previous B12 test that showed results somewhere around 500 then that would be a significant drop in levels which would indicate an absorption problem as B12 levels tend to be maintained at a constant level for an individual. The serum B12 test is only accurate to 20% which is why you would be looking for a drop of 20% or more.

Please also note that this forum, despite the word anaemia in its title - is actually about B12 absorption problems - most specifically an auto-immune disorder that attacks the mechanisms in the ileum where efficient absorption of B12 takes place, so the condition results in B12 deficiency - one of the symptoms of this condition is a type of anaemia in which red blood cells are larger and rounder than normal. However, as patients may also have problems absorbing other vitamins and minerals, including iron, the macrocytosis can be masked by microcytosis caused by iron deficiency.

[Nat107 in reply to Gambit62]

No just wanted to ask if anyone had encountered something similar to cause the anaemia

last b12 and folate was Dec 2022 :-

b12 421 same range as above

Folate 4,0 range above

[Orchard33]

One brief comment: stomach polyps (fundic polyps) are benign and do not bleed. But they do interfere with the production of Intrinsic Factor as far as I know.

[Nat107 in reply to Orchard33]

Thank you, Yes consultant said they wouldn’t cause the bleeding and didn’t need removing

[Mixteca in reply to Orchard33]

Interesting...I've had 2 endoscopies, one in 2016 and the other a few months ago. Benign polyps were detected both times. It would be good to read any scientific info on this.

[Nat107 in reply to Mixteca]

Yes I’m same and agree

[Lizzy86]

can't answer about why but I also, about four years, ago had exactly the same rectal bleed went straight to A & E where I was given transfusion of Tranexamic acid (this is a medication to stop excessive blood loss) about six weeks later had a camera examination and no reason was ever found - all I can say is I am still here at 83 and so far hasn't happen again - I am B12d. Yes it is extremely frightening.

[Nat107 in reply to Lizzy86]

Thank you I went to a & e also with the bowel haemorrhage and excruciating pain and said prob a bowel infection like E. coli etc give me anti I send me home, asked gif a sample but I could only give a blood clot, leading on to all the colonoscopy that were normal. So glad you been ok since as it is stressful and scary passing lots of blood and pain and no reason why x