What can help manage my severe anemia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a severely anemic patient. I have been on iron and B12 shots for three decades, but still, there is no improvement. I have an enlarged spleen, IBS, and also no absorption from the gut. I had undergone so many tests, but nobody seems to have answers. I stay exhausted, dizzy, and pale. Can anything help my severe anemia?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you are on iron and vitamin B12 shots, I would assume that it could be nutritional. It is obvious that no absorption from the gut, and IBS will complicate it. An enlarged spleen could be due to increased destruction in the spleen or the production of cells in the spleen to improve anemia (extramedullary hematopoiesis).

I would like to know the following details:

What type of anemia have you been diagnosed with?
Do you have any family history related to this?
Do you have any active bleeding?
What is your age?
What are the various treatments being taken or received in the past, including blood transfusions?
Have you done any tests or evaluations?
Please attach your present hemoglobin levels and complete blood report. Also, iron and vitamin B12 levels are necessary.
Do you have any associated chronic diseases?

Kindly revert to assist further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The above results indicate that you probably never had severe anemia. Your hemoglobin level shows only mild anemia, and it will not be the main cause of weakness or dizziness. Additional causes for weakness are hypothyroidism and dehydration.

Blood is normocytic and normochromic. Your bone marrow is responding well, which can be confirmed by the reticulocyte count test in blood. If done, the reticulocyte count should be around 2 to 3%. Not sure about the blood loss in menstrual cycles, which may be contributory.

Due to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), nutritional absorption is impaired, and essential supplements are necessary. Your diet is good; continue the same. Divide your meals into five to six times per day. Take at least 25 to 33 cups of water per day. Mild exercises are necessary, and maintain a standard sleep schedule.

I hope you have been evaluated for hypothyroidism. If not, thyroid hormone studies will be necessary. Endoscopy and colonoscopy are necessary for the evaluation of any disorders. If any abnormalities are found, it may help in the identification of the possible cause of weakness.

I hope it will be of great help to you.

Thank you.