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Anemia
singingbear posted:
Just received my bi-monthly lab results and a call from the docs office. My RBC, HGB, and HCT have been falling slightly with each test. Could taking a calcium supplement with my meals effect my iron absorption? Could it be a side effect of the methotrexate? How else can RA and the treatment result in anemia?
Also,could a RBC of 3.74, HGB of 10.7 and HCT of 34.4 be low enough to explain moderate to sever fatigue? Could this be why I find it so hard to stay awake at work?
Have an order for iron and ferritin test in the morning.
Also,could a RBC of 3.74, HGB of 10.7 and HCT of 34.4 be low enough to explain moderate to sever fatigue? Could this be why I find it so hard to stay awake at work?
Have an order for iron and ferritin test in the morning.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:AnemiaJust received my bi-monthly lab results and a call from the docs office. My RBC, HGB, and HCT have been falling slightly with each test. Could taking a calcium supplement with my meals effect my iron absorption? Could it be a side effect of the methotrexate? How else can RA and the treatment result in anemia?<br /> <br />Also,could a RBC of 3.74, HGB of 10.7 and HCT of 34.4 be low enough to explain moderate to sever fatigue? Could this be why I find it so hard to stay awake at work?<br /> <br />Have an order for iron and ferritin test in the morning.
Scott Zashin, MD responded:
The most common cause of anemia in RA is active disease. the body has enough iron, but due to inflamation, it is not utilized well. NSAIDS such as advil can cause bleeding from the gastointestinal tract Methotrexate or calcium is not a common cause of anemia.
Report This| Share this:AnemiaThe most common cause of anemia in RA is active disease. the body has enough iron, but due to inflamation, it is not utilized well. NSAIDS such as advil can cause bleeding from the gastointestinal tract Methotrexate or calcium is not a common cause of anemia.
singingbear replied to Scott Zashin, MD's response:
My iron and ferritin test came back normal. I am now in the process of completing a fecal occult blood test.
My question now is if the blood test comes back normal and my iron is normal how is the anemia usually treated?
My question now is if the blood test comes back normal and my iron is normal how is the anemia usually treated?
Report This| Share this:AnemiaMy iron and ferritin test came back normal. I am now in the process of completing a fecal occult blood test. <br />My question now is if the blood test comes back normal and my iron is normal how is the anemia usually treated?
