Appointment with haematologist

[sydney6060]

I had my appointment today about my anaemia with my haematologist.  He said that it was actually my ferritin that was low, not my hemoglobin.  The difference is the ferritin is the iron stored in your body and my is at 5 when it should be at least 50. So I'm iron deficient.  Low ferritin usually doesn't contribute to fatigue unless anaemia occurs also.  But low hemoglobin does.  With Sjogren's, the type of anaemia is usually hemolytic and with this type you are jaundiced (yellow skin) and the whites of the eyes can be yellow and your bilirubin is low.  So I'm pleased with the outcome. He feels that it is just due to my periods and by continuing to take my iron supplement my counts should come up.  He also said that doubling up on the iron won't help, as the body only absorps very little of it.  I'm going to see my rheumy in January and he might have a different story so we'll see.  Just glad that it doesn't seem to be something else to worry about.
Hope everyone is having a great day
Susan

[Scottietottie]

Hi Susan 

It's good that you've got to the bottom of the problem. What do you have to do to raise ferratin levels? I've read about them before but can't remember for the life of my how to rectify them!

Take care - Scottie 

[Epson]

A haematologist, that's one of the ologist I don't have yet, think I will have to get one.

[Scottietottie]

Lol 

At least you'll never need a gynaecologist Epson! 

[sydney6060]

Ferritin is usually increased by eating more red meat, spinach, broccoli and taking an iron supplement.  But it can take months.  I refuse to eat liver though!!  :PLOL.  Sometimes I just want to crawl into bed and stay there, or else become a big drinker!!!  I hear red wine can help with low blood.  I'd like to have 1 month where I don't have to see a doctor or have a blood test.  My doctor wants to start watching my blood sugar now.  She filled out a requisition to have 21 things tested.  Do I anticipate a faint coming on?  My daughter keeps saying that someone needs to invent a machine that you just walk through, immediately diagnosis the problem and fixes it all at the same time.  I told her to get right on that.

Hope everyone is having a good day. 
Ssuan

[Epson]

They already have a machine that you walk through and it immediatly diagnosis and repair your body.  All you have to do is call Mr. Spock and have him beam you up to the mother ship.

[sydney6060]

Funny Epson!!

Where do I get his number?? 

[peacefulstorm]

Great news! I hope your Rheumy agrees!  Susan, your a woot! If your daughter makes that happen....Im sure will share with all of us too!!! I also wished, and I can go as close to, not having to have blood  or a doctor's appt. in one week! Right now they have me doing so many things I cant keep it all straight and I have a calendar that I write it down in!! Ugh 

[Patze]

Oh Susan,

Ah from your daughter's lips to a manufacturer!


Patze

[sydney6060]

The person who invented this would be a miracle worker.  My mom suffered from ALS and when she was still able to get into the shower, it was difficult for her to dry herself.  Dad had to do it.  She said that what she needed was a big dryer kind of thing that she could just stand in and it would dry her off.  We used to joke that we would take her through a carwash if she wanted!!