Posts by John Reyes30

Help needed: I've been dealing with anemia for five years now. I just finished a battery of tests requested by my hematologist (gynecological workup, KCC, ten IV ampules of iron, plus an endoscopy), and most results came back fine. However, I am completely lost regarding this biopsy finding: ...received material consists of three small tissue fragments .... which are portions of small intestine mucosa where the villi are covered by cylindrical and goblet cells, while denser mononuclear infiltrates and one smaller focal cluster of lymphocytes are found within the lamina propria .. Is this normal or ..? What exactly are "mononuclear infiltrates" and "lymphocyte clusters"? I'm waiting for my follow-up appointment, but until then, please help. Thanks!

Maria Fisher46 said:Ma'am,

Your results show moderate anemia. Specifically, your red blood cells are smaller than normal and have lower hemoglobin levels. Additionally, as you noted, your serum iron and transferrin saturation are very low, which points toward iron deficiency anemia.

However, you still need to check your ferritin levels and complete a standard metabolic panel along with a urinalysis (both chemistry and sediment).

Furthermore, your primary care physician needs to sit down with you to discuss whether you've noticed any bleeding from the reproductive or urinary tracts, changes in stool color, or blood in your stool. They should also ask about your dietary habits and any existing medical conditions.

Depending on those answers, further follow-up will be necessary—such as a gynecological exam, fecal occult blood test, or a consultation with a gastroenterologist.

The goal is to pinpoint the underlying cause of the anemia.

Be sure to take these results to your doctor immediately; they will coordinate the next steps for your care.

Regards. 🙂

Thanks for the reply. I've already started seeing a hematologist who is requesting exactly the same tests you recommended. Thank you!

Can anyone explain these lab results I just received? For the last five years, my iron levels have hovered between 4 and 9, but today’s numbers are the lowest they've ever been. I'm about 50 years old, so I could really use some insight. What do you think is going on here?
erythrocytes 4.07 (ref. range 3.86-5.08)
hemoglobin 97 (ref. range 119-157)
hematocrit 0.302 (ref. range 0.356-0.470)
MCV 74.1 (83.0-97.2)
MCH 23.8 (27.4-33.9)
MCHC 321 (320-245)
RDW-CV 19.1 (9.0-15.0)
Fe 2.5 (8-30)
TIBC 67.0 (49-75)
UIBC 64.5 (26-59)

Thanks for any input!