Hematocrit Levels

[greenThumbs]

I gave my second pint of blood today in case I need it during/after surgery.  Last week they would not draw because my level was at 31.  I have been taking iron pills since then and my level was 34 today which is the lowest the Red Cross will allow.  At what level do you really start to feel tired?  I am tired now, my guess is my level is below 34 since giving a pint today.  They told me if you are below 27 they will not do surgery.

[MickeyVicki]

Given that the normal values for a woman run from 38 to 47, I would think that any value less than 34 or 35 would produce noticeable symptoms.    Fatigue is not the only symptom.  Anemia  also causes difficulty in breathing, odd cravings for foods ( or even non-foods, like dirt ), and sores in the mouth and lips.

[greenThumbs]

I am not sure about my platelets.  I do know that the week after my first pint was taken I had my period and then that following week (last week) I was to give my 2nd pint.  The tech last week just said my number was 32 and when checked it again it was 31.  She said that having given the first pint and then having my period the following did not help at all.  Also, I was not taking an iron supplement like I was probably supposed to.  I am taking iron now and increasing my leafy vegetable intake and drinking orange juice.  I just know that I am very tired.  I just thought it was because I have not been exercising.  I am just wondering at what level would someone start feeling the effects of low hematocrit.

[md1johnson]

was your platelets low. I was due to have my surgery tom. 050906 and the Dr's office call and asked me had I had problems in the past. they had drop really low. and my spleen was enlarged. So,until I see a hemotolgist and they find out why they cancelled my surgery. If any one that reads this and had this problem swollen lymoh nodes low platelets and swollen spleen. thanks.