In all the blood tests I have had because of Vasculitis I have noticed that my Haemaglobin and red blood cell counts are lower than the normal range expected.
The question is have others who have Vasculitis also experience such low counts in their blood tests?
Also posted on Facebook-Vasculitis-UK.
I am very interested too, I have also all of a sudden become anaemic with low Hb and low B12. Is this a typical finding in vasculitis patients? The first step for me is ruling out a bleeding stomach ulcer as I do get upper abdominal pain.
I believe it does happen with vasculitis; I have WG and got quite anaemic. I take iron tablets now which has sorted the problem.
My Mum had very bad anaemia with vasculitus , she had maybe 10 top ups of red cells.
I think it was the cyclophosphamide treatment that depressed the bone marrow and of course inflammation can also cause depression of bone marrow.
My wife has WG and Gp has said haemoglobin levels are very low even while taking iron tablets,so she has
an appointment for upper and lower endoscopies. She has blood tests every 3months so would not any
folic acid or vit. B12 deficiency show up then?
You probably have some form of anaemia. People with long term conditions can get anaemia of chronic disease. Low red blood cells could indicate pernicious anaemia. I would go back to your doctor, who can do do further blood tests to establish a better picture of what is going on and can make a referral to a haematologist. If it just below normal sometimes they will do a repeat test to see if it is just a glitch.
If you have symptoms such as being very tired, looking very pale, breathlessness on exercise and palpitations then these are all indicators of anaemia. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Sue
If the vasculitis is due to an autoimmune condition then anaemia is commonly found alongside many autoimmune disorders. It doesn't happen in everybody but is common. Your doctors should have checked for other causes - and really if it is very low iron supplements should be given.
I have regular monthly blood tests & have been told intermittently by my GP that I am anaemic but she hasn't recommended any treatment & neither have Addenbrookes. I think I am very borderline. I will ask next time I see my GP & Addenbrookes about iron tablets. I take a folic acid tablet once a week. I was diagnosed with WG in 2010 & used to be very fatigued indeed but less so in the last 3-6 months as my general health has improved. I still feel very tired at times but resting helps. I always have to pace myself.
I have regular monthly blood tests & have been told intermittently by my GP that I am anaemic but she hasn't recommended any treatment & neither have Addenbrookes. I think I am very borderline. I will ask next time I see my GP & Addenbrookes about iron tablets. I take a folic acid tablet once a week. I was diagnosed with WG in 2010 & used to be very fatigued indeed but less so in the last 3-6 months as my general health has improved. I still feel very tired at times but resting helps. I always have to pace myself.
Dear Albasain,
Yes, as mentioned above, vasculitis CAN cause a low/high/ even variable iron levels. Try not to worry, too much, assuming that your doctors/consultants are monitoring you regularly. I was on dialysis, for four years, and had regular iron infusions- which were simply administered during the dialysis. I am now checked frequently and , if any more iron is needed. This can be given in either small injection or, depending on the exact circumstances, a longer iron infusion as an 'out-patent'.
I hope that this has been of some help to you.
Very best wishes AndrewT
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