Do abnormal labs show anemia?

September 18, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: What is the RDW on the blood work I have done at the lab? What does it stand for? My level is high.

DEAR READER: RDW stands for red cell distribution width that essentially measures the size of red blood cells and is a part of a normal complete blood count (CBC) test. CBCs may be ordered as a part of standard lab work during routine physical examination or as part of a blood panel to aid in the determination of a diagnosis.

RDW must be used in conjunction with other levels found via the CBC, or with other blood tests to diagnose anemia and/or to differentiate the various types of anemia.
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That’s a lot of B12

August 24, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like some information on anemia. After a blood test my doctor suggested I have B12 shots – five the first five days, then one a week for two weeks and finally one shot a month. I’m 69 years young.

DEAR READER: A person is diagnosed with anemia when he or she does not have sufficient healthy red blood cells to provide enough oxygen to the tissues of the body. The condition can be temporary or long-term and can range from mild to severe and can result from the body incorrectly destroying red blood cells, or because the body doesn’t make a sufficient quantity of them, or a bleed causes the loss faster than the body can replace them. Symptoms can be so mild they go unnoticed for an extended period of time; however, as the condition worsens, so do the signs of fatigue, shortness of breath, [Read more...]

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What do lab results indicate?

January 31, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Our daughter, age seven, is high functioning with Down syndrome and celiac disease. She is 42 ½ inches tall, 53 pounds and her BP is 105/71. She was born one month early with two holes in her heart which healed on their own by age 18 months. She has only been ill with a cold three times in all her seven years.

We were having her CBCs run annually until last year when we were told to run them every six months; but, as of latest report, we have been told that blood work now needs to be done every three months. Our biggest concern is leukemia; however, I have been reading that her results can point to other things. Below is a list of concerns, supplements and blood work results. Could you please let me know if you see any red flags or if you have any concerns you think we should address and who we should talk to (her regular doctor or a hematologist)?
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Is anemia a concern for vegan?

August 26, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: For health reasons, I have chosen to be a vegan. I eat no animal matter and watch closely not to take in many refined carbohydrates. I am in excellent health. My problem is that during annual physicals, my blood tests come back distorted, usually indicating I am slightly anemic.

I have no outward symptoms of any illness. I tell my doctors that I am a vegan, but each year they search for some other cause. In non-Western countries where animal protein is not a large part of the diet, do doctors have different standards for blood-test results? Would I then be normal in those countries?
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Is Patient’s Anemia Really Worsening?

April 18, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 67-year-old female with metastasized breast cancer. In 1997 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a core needle biopsy, lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy for six months. I was then cancer free for 10 years.
During most of those 10 years I was a third grade teacher. I followed a diet endorsed by Compulsive Eaters Anonymous and speed walked (two miles) daily with my husband. I continue to speed walk.
Three years ago, my cancer returned. The first year was spent being misdiagnosed by my primary care physician who insisted I had bursitis. Then I developed digestive problems and went to a kinesthetic chiropractor who suggested I become a vegetarian and give up taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen. [Read more...]

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Anemia Caused By Too Little Iron

January 1, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
For the past 20 years my type A blood cells have been running 3.1 to 3.6 which I am told is low. When I question my doctors about it they don’t offer much response. I am 75 years old. I had a kidney removed about 10 years ago because of cancer. I did not need chemo or radiation. My diet consists of healthful foods and a lot of ocean fish and not too much red meat.

I recently had a couple of pre-cancerous lumps on my head removed and treated. They healed well.

Lately any cuts I get, whether they are big or small, seem to get infected. I am not diabetic and my weight is normal. Is there a cause for low A cells? Is there something I can do make them rise?

DEAR READER:
First, I feel I must explain what type A cells means, as you appear to be slightly confused. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

April 16, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I need help. I have seen several doctors but none can put my symptoms together and come up with a diagnosis. I am anemic, have fluctuating high blood pressure, throat and sinus inflammation, inflammation behind my eyes, Meniere’s disease symptoms, an elevated rheumatoid factor, and elevated Ig antibodies.

I am only 47 years old and have been healthy my whole life. I need a diagnosis or at least a hint of what could be wrong with me.

DEAR READER:
I urge you make an appointment with a rheumatologist (immune system specialist).

Inflammation of the throat, sinuses, area behind the eyes, and anemia suggest to me you have an autoimmune disorder. These symptoms are common in Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a rare disorder that involves vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). Wegener’s could also explain your Meniere’s type symptoms because ear infections are common and can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, pain, and more. Blood pressure is also affected by vessel inflammation.

I suggest you mention the possibilities of Wegener’s and vasculitis to the specialist, as well as requesting an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (positive in 80-95% of sufferers). Wegener’s may be fatal if left untreated so I urge you to seek medical help.

If I am off base, I apologize. However, based on your symptoms and tests, a rheumatologist is your best bet. You should also be tested further for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar disorders to explain your abnormal rheumatoid factor and Ig antibodies.

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Intestinal bleeding needs care immediately

February 3, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: In 2003, I experienced a black and bloody stool. I lost several pints of blood and had to be hospitalized. I was told the blood loss was indeed coming from my bowel. This has happened twice since then and each time it comes from my bowel.

I was hospitalized for each attack and during that time, various tests were done and found to be normal. The only thing that was different was my blood count. The first attack it was 8.1, second was 6.1 and the third was 5.1.

So far, I have had two colonoscopies plus two endoscopies. I was told during my last hospital stay that I have sores on my esophagus that may be contributing to the bleeding and that it should stop soon, but it hasn’t yet. I received 4 pints of blood which brought my blood count up to 9.7. I was still bleeding when they released me and continue to now that I’m home. I have not had any pain during these “attacks”.

At this point, I am not very confident in my doctor. Can you give me your opinion as to what could possibly be wrong? I would also like to know what kind of specialist doctor I should see.

DEAR READER: You are at risk of suffering fatal intestinal bleeding unless the source can be discovered and treated. In my opinion, you need to see a gastroenterologist for further testing. In particular, you need a study of your small intestine, in addition to the normal upper and lower bowel testing you have already had.

You have had severe anemia as a consequence of your blood loss. Therefore, I advise you not to wait. Ask your doctor to refer you to the specialist. If he has done that already, ask for a referral to a second specialist for another opinion. Don’t delay.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Divorce likely won’t help fatigue

January 21, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently responded to a letter from a wife who was concerned her 72-year-old husband was sleeping excessively.

Bless his heart! He’s working 40 hours a week, and comes home to a nag who can’t understand why he’s tired. If taking naps is ruining a 50-year marriage, let her go! He may just perk up when her negativity walks out the door.

DEAR READER: I disagree with you. Sleepiness can be a symptom of depression, anemia, and a host of medical conditions that should be addressed. Perhaps the husband needs a sleep study to determine if his sleep pattern is disrupted several times a night. In my opinion, he should also have an exam by his primary care physician. If everything is normal, he may need counseling, but I don’t believe that breaking up a marriage is going to solve his wife’s anger and bring everything back to normal.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep Wake Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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