Blood work Concerns

[jhatx]

I have concerns with my bloodwork and looking for some opinions. Back in March my labs showed high RBC – 6.11, high Hemoglobin 18.3, and high Hematocrit 55.6. I did 4 prescribed phlebotomies over about a two month period. RBC is still high but I am concerned about other results.

WBD 12.2 high
RBC 5.93 high
MCH 24.1 low
MCHC 30.7 low
RDW 17.8 high
Lymphs Absolute 6.6 High

From what I understand MCH, MCHC and RDW could be a result of the back to back phlebotomies and are giving indications as anemia.

What really has me concerned is the Lymphs Absolute being high.

I do have a doctors appointment scheduled next week to go over my labs but the suspense is going to drive me insane.

 

[Systemlord]

You have more than likely caused iron deficiency be excess blood donations, it's common to see infection or other inflammatory conditions in people with iron deficiency.

This is microcytic anemia.

 

[jhatx]

Thanks for the quick response. Should I do iron supplementation? Get new blood work after how long?

 

[Systemlord]

Thanks for the quick response. Should I do iron supplementation? Get new blood work after how long?

You're iron deficient, it's going to take awhile to build up your iron stores. I would still get lab work as soon as possible. You need to reduce your T dosage because iron increases RBC and hematocrit.

 

[jhatx]

I will reduce the T. Bloodwork was done last week. How much iron should I take daily?
Get new bloodwork in a week?

 

[Systemlord]

How much iron should I take daily?

You should start out supplementing iron 2-3x daily, preferably 25-28mg chelated iron, but if you're vitamin C intake is low, iron absorption will be affected negatively as I learned the hard way.

Once your iron levels are healthy, you will start a maintenance dosage daily, so 1x 25-28mg chelated iron daily.

 

[jhatx]

Thank you!

 

[Vince Carter]

YOu certainly could have an iron situation with 4 donations in two months but I wouldn't start taking iron without a lab test especially Ferritin.

 

[jhatx]

I am getting BW tomorrow. Thanks for the advice and more opinions and ideas are welcome! Glad I found this site.