Well, my blood work has been fine for quite some time, but now is wonky. My platelets and lymphocytes are down and C Reactive Protein is up. A few other things are low, Hematacrit, hemaglobin, RBC, but they are always low and aren't as low as these other two readings. This is the first time CReac has been high.
I had a Shingles shot the say before my blood work and am hopeful that might be the cause. That said, seems hard to believe that they would give you a shot that might have this impact.
I see my rheumatologist this week for a four-month check up. I'll be quite interested to hear what he has to say.
Any thoughts?
I have no clue. All I know is that my blood counts for red and white counts change every time and are so often abnormal but yet seem not to be something that my immunologist worries about. Autoimmune is just the dickens to keep up with and many times not worth pursuing a lot of these issues. I figure that the things that don't last forever and seem to run their course so must not be too serious. Then something else takes its place. The one thing docs are trying to find is the reason for my long standing anemia. Time will tell. Irish
Dear Irish,
I know that your anemia is far worse than mine. Mine developed in 2007 (probably earlier) and all tests ruled out the 'usual suspects'.
When I take iron tablets, my anemia goes away. When I stop iron tablets, my anemia comes back.
So I just take two tablets a day.
I think somehow this is related to my Immune Disorder. But I really don't know.
Keep us posted on what you find out.
Regards, Elaine
Thanks Irish and Carolina.
Irish, it was my PCP who observed years ago that my readings fluctuate. That said these particular readings have been stable for a very long time and I don't recall C Reactive Protein ever being high (that said it's only been tested for a year or two).
Carolina, yes my anemia can be a challenge. Years ago I had a bone marrow biopsy and the doc discovered that I had zero storage iron. After testing, trying iron, etc. a former hematologist said the anemia is disease related. What does that mean, taking iron is a useless intervention.
I see my doc this Wednesday, will be interested to hear his thoughts. I will keep you posted.
Thanks for listening, it matters a great deal to have such supportive people in my life.
I'm an iron newby. In January my internist did my routine blood work (does not include my Sjogren's blood work order, btw) and iron is in his battery. He said I was iron depleted...and messaged my gastro RIGHT THEN to perform an EGD for me ASAP. I all but laughed in his face. I didn't, but I did argue---vehemently. Before I saw my gastro (who did, btw, schedule that EGD the next week), I had my yearly Rheumy appt. More bloodwork. She asked what he put me on...I said nothing...she pulled up Slow FE (on amazon btw) and said: take this. I started with those damned blister packs for that drug. Since then I have learned every female I have talked to since (whom I have asked), and all the women in my life KNOW Slow FE, and take it or have taken it. I did have an ulcer---but I had not had bloody stools. I still don't understand that. BUT....since Jan, 2018, I've had blood work about 3 times (I had a surgery in there) and everything is stable. I asked about continuing to take the Slow FE, and was told indefinitely. I am 76. is this something old women end up with? And...how can I be the only 76 year (and some older) female to have lived this long without knowing Slow FE?
And...do you take Slow FE?
ccc
Ccourt thanks for your note. I am familiar with Slow FE. I learned from a hematologist that my iron levels won't be impacted as a result o taking iron in any form, the depletion of platelets is part of the disease process, not related to not being able to absorb iron.
FYI I know what you mean about some issues, B12 depletion is more common as people age, so too Vitamin D.
Thanks for sharing.
Sjogirl,
My readings can greatly fluctuate as well with all my vitamin levels, Hgb, HCT, CRP etc... My CRP was recently elevated as well but I think it's b/c my blood sugar was up a little??? But also, it's summer and that's my bad time.
I also have problems with my vitamins and iron storage. It's not severe but it's been low enough to make me have symptoms, so I started taking a multi vitamin. Some of us just have genetic reasons for poor iron storage and also if you take any kind of antacid, you lose your ability to completely absorb vitamins. I think a lot of us have some degree of reflux and it is essential we take an antacid to protect our stomach and esophagus from damage. I don't think this is a solution for you, just wanted to comment.
I take the methyl form of B 12 and folate, they say it's the active form of the vitamin and may work better??
It's been very hard for me to get my VIt D up and the only thing that seemed to help was spending time in the sun without sunscreen on my legs. My Vit. D went up to a whopping 29 from 13! That's the highest I've ever been and it's still low. Very difficult situation for some of us. I know I have a problem with my Vit. D receptor.
Hello Deb, and thanks.
I saw my rheumy yesterday, he seemed not overly concerned about the blood work. For him the high C Reactive Protein was not that high (in fact they lowered the threshold for what is considered to be high). That said he paid more attention to the fact that it increased significantly from previous levels.
With the blood work and symptoms he decided to increase Imuran and add Celebrex rather than jump to TNF inhibitors (like Humera). He seems to think/hopes that Celebrex will be a game changer. I am concerned about impact on my stomach because I, like you and others, have issues there. That said there aren't many options and I know I can always try something and stop taking it if need be.
Thanks to you and all for listening.