very confused

[smurfmomma]

doctors office said my blood count good iron good but hemoglobin 7.1 still was 6.2 couple weeks ago but taking iron so how can hemoglobin be so low with good iron and blood counts?

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Ditto on your comment. @klonny55

~~snip~~

Now if I would guess without knowing all the facts, I'd say there is blood loss. It may be a slow bleed-bleeding of the esophagus or elsewhere. Is there blood in your stools making everything look extra dark? 7.1 hemoglobin is very serious. You must be terribly weak and tired all the time. But hey at least it's up from the deadly mark of 6.2. I don't have the whole story but when I get down to anything near 7, I'm rushed to the ER and given a transfusion. Is your doc oblivious or is there something I don't know that's in play here?

[jules2551]

Do you have Hep C?  If so are you taking Riba?  Why hasn't your Dr. offered procrit?  There are many reasons your Hgb is down while your blood counts are with in normal ranges.  Need more information about you.

Best!  Jules

[klonny55]

The kind of anemia from treatment drugs like ribavirin is hemolytic anemia which means red blood cells are destroyed and you have less of them to carry oxygen to your various tissues and organs. Low iron anemia is when you don't have enough iron in your system to carry adequate oxygen. Iron is what oxygen binds with in the blood, that's why it's red. With hemolytic anemia no amount of iron will help since the problem is not the iron but the lack of red blood cells. Those with liver problems should not take iron supplements without consulting their doctor as too much iron can do more harm than good.

[Ekkiemom]

Hi smurf.......that's a good question, when you find out can you please post, I'm curious
Have a wonderful day!
Peace
Deb