Blood result and raised MCV

[KBird01]

Hi everyone. I had a recent blood test as I've been supplementing with gentle iron, general A-Z vits and B12 since the spring. I particularly wanted to check up on my iron/ferritin status.

I've never had a positive diagnosis of PA, or even of B12 deficiency as my levels have always been 'in range'. The symptoms I have experienced however, have been significant and only started to improve when I went on a self-prescribed regime of supplements this spring. (See my previous posts if you're so bored you're tempted to find out more! 😉)

I stayed off all supplements for 2 weeks prior to my test, but have consistently SI B12 approximately weekly, or more frequently if I feel I need it, since the spring. I had self-injected sporadically before, out of fear of yet another lecture from the GP!

Just received my results and things are definitely heading in the right direction (as is my general health!), with Vitamin D and ferritin levels gradually rising, albeit not quite optimal.

There was a note that my MCV is above range in this latest batch of tests however. This has always been on the top side of the range, despite my B12 injections, but I wondered if this is now showing a true picture now my ferritin levels are going up?

MCV - Medichecks - 95.7 [81-98]

MCV - Feb 23 - GP test - 94 [80-99]

MCV - Oct 23 - Medichecks - 98. [81-98]

My folate levels have always been consistently high/out of range, whether I supplement or not.

So I guess I'm wondering 'does this mean anything' or should I stop over-thinking things and just crack on as I have been doing, knowing my health seems to be still improving?

Thanks as ever you lovely lot! 😊

[Wwwdot]

Hi KBird

First I am not able to comment on your MCV as out of my league!

But what I can comment on is your absolutely fantastic health progress! It takes courage to grasp self treatment and you have clearly done this with great results and with both hands!!

It is so important that we listen to our bodies and do what we feel is best. I keep telling myself that I can’t overdose on B12 and the worst case scenario is I am wasting money … but I waste money when I buy a coffee, or that pair of earrings I don’t need etc so why not waste money on my health too?

But the reality is, it’s money well spent when we get it right and from what I am reading on this forum far more of us experience positive benefits from self treating over and above the NICE guidelines treatment level (which I don’t even like to refer to as treatment because it falls so short).

Very well done and I hope you continue your journey of healing and recovery with as much passion and success as you have demonstrated so far.

🤗🤗🤗

[KBird01 in reply to Wwwdot]

Thank you for that Wwwdot ! I love your mindset about cost. And yes, I do have to remind myself how far I've come - from being so tired I was falling asleep at my desk, to getting out back on the fell tops! It's been a journey! 😊