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Anemia
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teejay59810 posted:
Yesterday, for only the third time, I was unable to give blood for the Red Cross. I have been giving blood for over thirty years. The other two times were for a high temperature and once for anemia. Both were years ago.

It wasn't a complete surprise since my rheumatologist has me on a folic acid pill. But, what was a surprise was the levels. One needs a hemoglobin level of 12.5 on a blood smear to give blood. My first attempt was 12.2. A recheck from the other hand was only 11.7.

So my questions are; How prevalent is anemia with RA? And what are others doing to help supplement ther diet? Are then any signs other than dizzieness that may warn me of anemia? I thought my current diet was suitable.

Luckily, my next appoitment is this coming week.
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:AnemiaYesterday, for only the third time, I was unable to give blood for the Red Cross. I have been giving blood for over thirty years. The other two times were for a high temperature and once for anemia. Both were years ago. <br /> <br />It wasn't a complete surprise since my rheumatologist has me on a folic acid pill. But, what was a surprise was the levels. One needs a hemoglobin level of 12.5 on a blood smear to give blood. My first attempt was 12.2. A recheck from the other hand was only 11.7. <br /> <br />So my questions are; How prevalent is anemia with RA? And what are others doing to help supplement ther diet? Are then any signs other than dizzieness that may warn me of anemia? I thought my current diet was suitable.<br /> <br />Luckily, my next appoitment is this coming week.
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Scott Zashin, MD responded:
Anemia is very common in RA and is often due to that fact thta the body does not utilize iron very well due to inflammation. Increasing iron does not help but controlling the RA does help. Another cause of anemia in RA patients can be due to blood loss as a complication of bleeding from NSAID therapy.
Report This| Share this:AnemiaAnemia is very common in RA and is often due to that fact thta the body does not utilize iron very well due to inflammation. Increasing iron does not help but controlling the RA does help. Another cause of anemia in RA patients can be due to blood loss as a complication of bleeding from NSAID therapy.
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gfreejulie responded:
RA is linked to gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Iron deficiency happens because the gut is damage and cannot absorb iron properly not to mention potential thyroid insufficiencies that can inhibit HCL production and limit iron absorption. Get blood work done for celiac disease and if it is negative you still could have gluten intolerance. Try Cyrexlabs.com for other types of gluten intolerance testing.
Report This| Share this:AnemiaRA is linked to gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Iron deficiency happens because the gut is damage and cannot absorb iron properly not to mention potential thyroid insufficiencies that can inhibit HCL production and limit iron absorption. Get blood work done for celiac disease and if it is negative you still could have gluten intolerance. Try Cyrexlabs.com for other types of gluten intolerance testing.
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teejay59810 replied to gfreejulie's response:
Thanks for the tip. A couple of years ago, I was ran through a series of tests over other symptoms. Two of the tests involved both celiac disease and thyroid. Both tests were negative.

But, as I said that was a couple of years ago. I finally got new arthritis doctor with the my first appointment later this month. I will talk with him about possibly be retested.
Report This| Share this:AnemiaThanks for the tip. A couple of years ago, I was ran through a series of tests over other symptoms. Two of the tests involved both celiac disease and thyroid. Both tests were negative. <br /> <br />But, as I said that was a couple of years ago. I finally got new arthritis doctor with the my first appointment later this month. I will talk with him about possibly be retested.
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