Blood work Concerns

jhatx · Oct 21, 2019

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 · Oct 21, 2019

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 · Oct 21, 2019

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

Systemlord · Oct 21, 2019

jhatx said:
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 · Oct 21, 2019

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

Systemlord · Oct 21, 2019

jhatx said:
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.