RLS

[bill54321]

Manerva. I had the Iron panel done for the first time. I value your opinion, since the test was marginal. My Fe iron was 114(range 65-175) (TC) TIBC 221 (Range 250-450 LOW Iron Sat 52 (Range 11-46)HIGH. Ferritin, Serum 150(Range 30-400)

RBC 3.78(Range 4.40-100) Hemoglobin 13.1 (Range 14-18.) Hemqtocrit 40.2 (Rnge 42-55) These are all LOW

MCV 106.3(Range 80.-100)-) MCH( 34.7( Range 28.34) %1G .6 (Range .0-3) %MONO 13 (Range 2.0-11.7) ALL SLIGHTLY HIGH

My GP says the Slightly lowTIBC and High Iron suggest that with low Hemalglobin and Hemactocrit my problem is less iron but more a case of a typical senior enemia from lack of Vit B12. So, I had the test for B-12 yesterday and the GP will call next week.

What is your take on the iron series? Do not worry on protocol. I just want your personal opinion with my permission.

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I'd trust your doctor on this one. Some docs may not be that knowedgeable about RLS but when it comes to blood results generally, they will know far more than I do.

From the little I do know, there doesn't seem to be any sign of iron deficiency here. Even the ferritin level is OK, which is the one result some docs are ignorant about when it comes to RLS.

There does seem to be some evidence of slight anaemia however e.g. as indicated by the low TIBC.

Anaemia actually means a lack of oxygen carrying capacity and there are many reasons why this happens, i.e. many anaemias.

In your case it appears that there is a reduced number of Red Blood Cells (RBC count and haematocrit) and also they are bigger than normal (MCV). Your haemoglobin is also slightly low.

As your doc says this might indicate vitamin B12 deficiency as this is necessary for the body to produce new RBCs. This may then be "macrocytic" anaemia. Macrocytic means large cells.

[bill54321 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for confirming. I will up date you.

[Hidden in reply to bill54321]

Yes. Please do.

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Hi, do trust your dr to interpret your blood results. This is part of their extensive training & daily work. Not that many are that knowledgable about iron levels in RLS but most are for other results.Please don’t let all the knowledgeable advice on here re RLS allow you to lose confidence in other aspects of medical care.

Speaking as a retired medic I agree with your Dr that anaemia with raised MCV is most commonly an indication of low B12. It can also be caused by low folic acid ( don’t change anything in your diet till results all in as could cloud the issue.

I also have a vague recollection that new red cells are larger than older ones so needing to make more for whatever reason can raise MCV ( this stands for mean cell volume )

Your Dr is very likely to know what he/she is talking about