Enlarged red blood cells.

[AncientMariner]

Has anyone had any experience with enlarged red blood cells showing up in Haematology results? This is new to me and am wondering whether this issue is commonly associated with GCA, PMR or other Rhemotological conditions? I am teetotal for nearly three years so that isn't the source.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You aren't on methotrexate? A common cause is vit B12 or folate deficiency. There are other causes but they would probably flag up in other tests.

[AncientMariner in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I take Methotrexate 20 mg once a week and have done for around two years + now but I am also taking Folic Acid though not together as instructed. I take Alendronic Acid as I am on Prednisolone 20mg at the moment but reducing. Other supplements are vit D and Calcium effervescent tablets. I also self administer TCZ once a week, six months duration.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AncientMariner]

You don't take the folic acid on the day you take the mtx - but how much are you taking otherwise? That seems to vary from doctor to doctor and some patients need as much as 5mg every day besides mtx day while a lot of doctors just say a single dose the next day.

[AncientMariner in reply to PMRpro]

5mg every day bar the day I take Methotrexate. I do not eat red meat often but plenty of Chicken.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AncientMariner]

Should be enough - but maybe not...

[AncientMariner in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I know like many things health related there are no one size fits all solutions.

[OonaSt in reply to PMRpro]

If you or anyone on here know about b12 types (there are 4 different kinds), please let me know. I was prescribed cyanocobalamin 20 years ago for pernicious anemia but now reading that it’s not the best for absorption and contains cyanide. Really confusing data out there on other types and not widely available. Maybe UK has better info ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to OonaSt]

Really not my specialist subject - can't help you I'm afraid.

[14whynot]

Hello. I am an alcoholic with 13 years in recovery. Excessive alcohol intake had caused enlarged red blood cells when I was drinking.