Why the change.

[pmv1631]

Recently I posted that my hemoglobin was 11.3 and my doctor wanted me to have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy.  Since then he did another blood test and the hemoglobin was exactly the same. Only this time instead of pushing for the gi tests, he made an appointment with a hematologist. I don't know what may have changed. Should I be concerned that  he now thinks this is something more serious.

[pmv1631]

Hello again doctor. I went to the hematologist. He took 8 containers of blood. I went back to him for the results yesterday. He said my numbers are good. My hemoglobin was up to 13 from 11.3. He was pleased with the numbers. However, my ferritin level was only 9. He wants me to go to a GI doctor for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Now of course I am worried again. It seems to be one step forward and 3 back. ha ha.

Anyway, I thought I would keep you up to date. I hope I am not bothering you.

Thank you.

[pmv1631]

Doctor. Thank you for your response. You have no idea how much better that makes me feel. In the last test my iron level was 86. I was thinking maybe I should try an over the counter iron supplement.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Well, since your hemoglobin level is stable, it is evident that you are not having a bleeding ulcer in the stomach or a bleeding polyp in the colon. So, in a way, it is good news. Your doctor is now referring you to a hematologist to get a complete picture of the anemia and its cause. This is unlikely to be something serious as the hemoglobin level is not very low. Hope this helps. Take care!