Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 > What is the best way to raise hemoglobin levels The way it is usually done is to take iron supplements, but another factor may be b-vitamin deficiency. B-12 and folic acid are also needed for red blood cell production. Perhaps you could ask the doc about a B-12 shot, or supplement with oral b vitamins. Also iron-rich foods would be an alternative to iron supplements. Some are Egg yolk, Whole wheat, lean meat, sea vegetation, dried fruit, parsnips, cauliflower beets blackberries pineapple, sweet potatoes, grapes (list of foods from one of my nutrition books by an ND). I would add dried beans and leafy greens to the list. Low stomach acid may also be a culprit, causing malabsorption. I don't know what to tel you about that with your GI problems, but maybe someone else here who knows more about it could chime in. I don't understand the casual way docs treat mild anemia! (sounds like your doc suspects Anemia of Chronic Disease, since he is not recommending iron, and since it is only slightly low). Being anemic makes for lowered immunity, and makes you feel like something the cat dragged in. I have to get on my doc about it too, because I am often a little low when I have routine blood tests. I would also note it is said that it usually improves with better disease control. How's that going for you? Liz G PS for more info on anemia, do a search at http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/ I also have some lists of links saved I sent before, if you want them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 Something else here I just noticed while looking up something different in the book I mentioned before--it says Sodium is necessary for the body to use iron, and iron deficiency can result from sodium deficiency. I find it hard to imagine having sodium deficiency if you are eating a typical American diet, but perhaps you are on a low sodium diet? The author also notes in sodium deficiency, indigestion may be common and " the hardening processes of old age, without deposits of calcium around joints causing arthritis and rheumatism " . Interesting. Liz G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 Hi KC, I'm convinced they are not taught anything of substance about physiology anymore. I've dealt with doctors who show very little sign of understanding anything about how the body works. I'm also convinced medical school now is just this symptoms 'goes with' that pill, and that symptom 'goes with' with this pill, and that is about it. If you get a side effect from the first pill, then you get another pill to deal with it. It's insane. Anyway, I get a copy of all my own tests because of what you have discovered. They only mention something out of normal range if it is WAY out. A blood test of mine showed my blood sugar elevated above normal. I don't have handy but say normal was up to 90 and mine was 115 say, not alot but not normal. He said nothing. I got copy and asked about. He said well perhaps you had just eaten something before test. Well, maybe I DIDN'T! Why even do test then, if you aren't going to bother to inquiry about abnormal results. I rarely to almost never eat sweets. Now I also avoid all highly refined carbs as well, but glucose is always a bit high, although within normal limit, like if 90 is high side of normal it is 89 or 90, even though I eat very low carb. If I ate the typical high carb diet of most Americans with bread on sandwich and soda drink, etc, probably glucose would be very high but I haven't addressed that issue yet as so many other things going wrong right now. He should have not only mentioned it but Rx another test where I fasted beforehand, like glucose tolerance test, OR plan to recheck it in the future sometimes which he didn't. In my life, this has been constant. --- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote: > > Hey everyone, > I'm posting this information from Medline because of the lastest > results/bloodwork on Sharon, when I had her in the hospital several > months ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 I dont think its ignorance, but you allready know what I think. thanks for posting this. tc. > > Hey everyone, > I'm posting this information from Medline because of the lastest > results/bloodwork on Sharon, when I had her in the hospital several > months ago. I'm a bit upset because this should have been caught > many years ago when her exposure first started. Much of this is in > the Merck and other medical journals concerning the levels of > the hemoglobin. Bottomline, my personal opinion, I don't know where > these doctors got their education from, but many either need to go > back to school cause they flunked or at least continue their > education, because they missed the basics. > > Click on the link and go to the website because there are many links > that you can click on for further information. I am furious because > Sharon's bloodlevels have not been normal since day one (of exposure) > If they aren't going to pay attention to the levels (and this is a > standard CBC test)why are they wasting my time and theirs or is it > just for the raping of our finances and failed to act. Gee, now they > wonder why they have malpractice suits. Let's protect their asses > even more. > > I am going to post the results of Sharon's bloodwork and they still > had the never to send her home without further testing and an > abnormal ECG. This hospital/physicians are even ignoring the obvious. > > WBC (12.3 high) normal 4.8-10.8 > RBC (5.51 high) 4.2-5.4 > HGB(hemoglobin) (16.2) 12-16 and this has been as high as 17 and > also high in everyone of her CBC's > Glucose (103) 65-99 > > Many of the other bloodlevels were in the normal range, but either > on the very low end or on the very high, one more point either way > and they would be abnormal. Because of the inflammation, the heart > palpatation, they should have automatically tested her for the C > Reactive protein, like Dr.Shoemaker had. In many hospitals if you > are having any abnormal heart problems, the CRP is one of the first > tests they do, that is normal, not to mention it is a 24 hr > automatic stay with a heart monitor. > > When Dr.S, took the CRP it was 17.7, normal is 0.0-4.9. > Why wasn't this ordered? If you read the information below, > according to the NIH/Medline website a high hemoglobin and I quote, > > " The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high > doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur because of inflammation. " > > I don't know how they can call themselves doctors when they don't > know how to use the tools that are given them. I think it's time to > pay somebodya visit. > > KC > > Hemoglobin > http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003645.htm > > > > Hgb; Hb > Definition Return to top > > A hemoglobin test measures the total amount of hemoglobin in the > blood. Hemoglobin is almost always ordered as part of a complete > blood count (CBC). See also Hemoglobin electrophoresis. > > Normal Values Return to top > > Hemoglobin (varies with altitude): > > Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dl > Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dl > Note: gm/dl = grams per deciliter > What abnormal results mean Return to top > > Lower-than-normal hemoglobin may indicate: > > anemia (various types) > erythropoietin deficiency (from kidney disease) > red blood cell destruction associated with transfusion reaction > bleeding > lead poisoning > malnutrition > nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6 > overhydration > > > Higher-than-normal hemoglobin may indicate: > congenital heart disease > cor pulmonale > pulmonary fibrosis > polycythemia vera > increased RBC formation associated with excess erythropoietin > Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: > anemia of chronic disease > clinical hemoglobin C > diabetes > giant cell (temporal, cranial) arteritis > hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency > insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) > idiopathic aplastic anemia > idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia > immune hemolytic anemia > iron deficiency anemia > paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) > paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) > pernicious anemia > placenta abruptio > polymyalgia rheumatica > rhabdomyolysis > secondary aplastic anemia > drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia > > This test may be performed under many conditions and in assessment > of many diseases. > > Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis > Definition Return to top > > Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage > to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that > branch from the external carotid artery of the neck. > > Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top > > Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is > inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more > arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the > temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. > However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large > sized arteries anywhere in the body. > > The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an > effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with > severe infections and high doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur > because of inflammation. > > The disorder may exist independently or may coexist with or follow > polymyalgia rheumatica (a disorder characterized by abrupt > development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder > muscles). About 25% of people with giant cell arteritis also > experience polymyalgia rheumatica. > > Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 > years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare > in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in > families. > > Symptoms Return to top > > fever > a throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head > scalp sensitivity, tenderness when touching the scalp > jaw pain, intermittent or when chewing > vision difficulties > blurred vision, double vision > reduced vision, blindness in one or both eyes > weakness, excessive tiredness > a general ill feeling > a loss of appetite > weight loss (more than 5% of total body weight) > muscle aches > excessive sweating > Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: > mouth sores > joint stiffness > joint pain > hearing loss > bleeding gums > face pain > Signs and tests Return to top > > When the doctor feels (palpates) the head, the scalp is sensitive > and often shows a tender, thick artery on one side of the head. The > affected artery may have a weakened pulse or no pulse. About 40% of > people will have other nonspecific symptoms such as respiratory > complaints (most frequently dry cough) or mononeuritis multiplex > (weakness and/or pain of multiple individual nerve groups). Rarely, > paralysis of eye muscles) may occur. A persistent fever may be the > only symptom. > > Blood tests are nonspecific. > > A sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are almost always very > high. > A hemoglobin or hematocrit may be normal or low. > Liver function tests may be abnormal, including elevated alkaline > phosphatase, if the disorder is systemic. > A biopsy and analysis of tissue from the affected artery show > changes that confirm the diagnosis of temporal vasculitis in most > cases. > > > CRP > > C-reactive protein is a test that measures the concentration of a > protein in serum that indicates acute inflammation > > Why the test is performed Return to top > > C-reactive protein is a special type of protein produced by the > liver that is only present during episodes of acute inflammation. > The most important role of CRP is its interaction with the > complement system, which is one of the body's immunologic defense > mechanisms. > > While this is not a specific test, it does give a general indication > of acute inflammation. Your health care provider might use this test > to check for flare-ups of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid > arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis. The test might also be useful to > monitor response to therapy. > > However, even in instances of inflammation in rheumatic diseases > such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erthematosus, the > CRP levels may not always be elevated. The reason for this is not > known at this time. Thus, a low CRP level does not always mean that > there is no inflammation present. > > Recently, new studies have suggested that CRP may also be elevated > in heart attacks. The role of CRP in coronary artery disease remains > unclear. It is not known whether it is merely a marker of disease or > whether it actually plays a role in causing atherosclerotic disease. > Many consider elevated CRP to be a positive risk factor for coronary > artery disease. > > Normal Values Return to top > > Normal CRP values vary from lab to lab, but generally there is no > CRP detectable in the blood (less than 0.6 mg/dL). > > What abnormal results mean Return to top > > Since the CRP is a general test, a positive CRP may indicate a > number of things, including: > > Rheumatoid arthritis > Rheumatic fever > Cancer > Tuberculosis > Pneumococcal pneumonia > Myocardial infarction > SLE > Connective tissue disease > Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parastic infection > Other causes of ongoing inflammation > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 I failed to mention in my previous post we did not discuss mold at all when we went to the hospital, just let the physician do their job, (chock) until the exam was over to see what they would suggest for treatment. Treatment (chock, gag) Go home...... The same cardiologist read the previous ECG and it was borderline, in this report he states no changes, but I read the scan and it states on top, Abnormal ECG, consult physician. Sounds like a big change to me. Conclusion: Cardiologist, to lazy to get off his fat ... to come into the hospital to do further examination, even he was requested by the ER doctor. KC --- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote: > > Hey everyone, > I'm posting this information from Medline because of the lastest > results/bloodwork on Sharon, when I had her in the hospital several > months ago. I'm a bit upset because this should have been caught > many years ago when her exposure first started. Much of this is in > the Merck and other medical journals concerning the levels of > the hemoglobin. Bottomline, my personal opinion, I don't know where > these doctors got their education from, but many either need to go > back to school cause they flunked or at least continue their > education, because they missed the basics. > > Click on the link and go to the website because there are many links > that you can click on for further information. I am furious because > Sharon's bloodlevels have not been normal since day one (of exposure) > If they aren't going to pay attention to the levels (and this is a > standard CBC test)why are they wasting my time and theirs or is it > just for the raping of our finances and failed to act. Gee, now they > wonder why they have malpractice suits. Let's protect their asses > even more. > > I am going to post the results of Sharon's bloodwork and they still > had the never to send her home without further testing and an > abnormal ECG. This hospital/physicians are even ignoring the obvious. > > WBC (12.3 high) normal 4.8-10.8 > RBC (5.51 high) 4.2-5.4 > HGB(hemoglobin) (16.2) 12-16 and this has been as high as 17 and > also high in everyone of her CBC's > Glucose (103) 65-99 > > Many of the other bloodlevels were in the normal range, but either > on the very low end or on the very high, one more point either way > and they would be abnormal. Because of the inflammation, the heart > palpatation, they should have automatically tested her for the C > Reactive protein, like Dr.Shoemaker had. In many hospitals if you > are having any abnormal heart problems, the CRP is one of the first > tests they do, that is normal, not to mention it is a 24 hr > automatic stay with a heart monitor. > > When Dr.S, took the CRP it was 17.7, normal is 0.0-4.9. > Why wasn't this ordered? If you read the information below, > according to the NIH/Medline website a high hemoglobin and I quote, > > " The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high > doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur because of inflammation. " > > I don't know how they can call themselves doctors when they don't > know how to use the tools that are given them. I think it's time to > pay somebodya visit. > > KC > > Hemoglobin > http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003645.htm > > > > Hgb; Hb > Definition Return to top > > A hemoglobin test measures the total amount of hemoglobin in the > blood. Hemoglobin is almost always ordered as part of a complete > blood count (CBC). See also Hemoglobin electrophoresis. > > Normal Values Return to top > > Hemoglobin (varies with altitude): > > Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dl > Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dl > Note: gm/dl = grams per deciliter > What abnormal results mean Return to top > > Lower-than-normal hemoglobin may indicate: > > anemia (various types) > erythropoietin deficiency (from kidney disease) > red blood cell destruction associated with transfusion reaction > bleeding > lead poisoning > malnutrition > nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin B- 6 > overhydration > > > Higher-than-normal hemoglobin may indicate: > congenital heart disease > cor pulmonale > pulmonary fibrosis > polycythemia vera > increased RBC formation associated with excess erythropoietin > Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: > anemia of chronic disease > clinical hemoglobin C > diabetes > giant cell (temporal, cranial) arteritis > hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency > insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) > idiopathic aplastic anemia > idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia > immune hemolytic anemia > iron deficiency anemia > paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) > paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) > pernicious anemia > placenta abruptio > polymyalgia rheumatica > rhabdomyolysis > secondary aplastic anemia > drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia > > This test may be performed under many conditions and in assessment > of many diseases. > > Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis > Definition Return to top > > Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage > to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that > branch from the external carotid artery of the neck. > > Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top > > Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is > inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more > arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the > temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. > However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large > sized arteries anywhere in the body. > > The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an > effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with > severe infections and high doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur > because of inflammation. > > The disorder may exist independently or may coexist with or follow > polymyalgia rheumatica (a disorder characterized by abrupt > development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder > muscles). About 25% of people with giant cell arteritis also > experience polymyalgia rheumatica. > > Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 > years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare > in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in > families. > > Symptoms Return to top > > fever > a throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head > scalp sensitivity, tenderness when touching the scalp > jaw pain, intermittent or when chewing > vision difficulties > blurred vision, double vision > reduced vision, blindness in one or both eyes > weakness, excessive tiredness > a general ill feeling > a loss of appetite > weight loss (more than 5% of total body weight) > muscle aches > excessive sweating > Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: > mouth sores > joint stiffness > joint pain > hearing loss > bleeding gums > face pain > Signs and tests Return to top > > When the doctor feels (palpates) the head, the scalp is sensitive > and often shows a tender, thick artery on one side of the head. The > affected artery may have a weakened pulse or no pulse. About 40% of > people will have other nonspecific symptoms such as respiratory > complaints (most frequently dry cough) or mononeuritis multiplex > (weakness and/or pain of multiple individual nerve groups). Rarely, > paralysis of eye muscles) may occur. A persistent fever may be the > only symptom. > > Blood tests are nonspecific. > > A sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are almost always very > high. > A hemoglobin or hematocrit may be normal or low. > Liver function tests may be abnormal, including elevated alkaline > phosphatase, if the disorder is systemic. > A biopsy and analysis of tissue from the affected artery show > changes that confirm the diagnosis of temporal vasculitis in most > cases. > > > CRP > > C-reactive protein is a test that measures the concentration of a > protein in serum that indicates acute inflammation > > Why the test is performed Return to top > > C-reactive protein is a special type of protein produced by the > liver that is only present during episodes of acute inflammation. > The most important role of CRP is its interaction with the > complement system, which is one of the body's immunologic defense > mechanisms. > > While this is not a specific test, it does give a general indication > of acute inflammation. Your health care provider might use this test > to check for flare-ups of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid > arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis. The test might also be useful to > monitor response to therapy. > > However, even in instances of inflammation in rheumatic diseases > such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erthematosus, the > CRP levels may not always be elevated. The reason for this is not > known at this time. Thus, a low CRP level does not always mean that > there is no inflammation present. > > Recently, new studies have suggested that CRP may also be elevated > in heart attacks. The role of CRP in coronary artery disease remains > unclear. It is not known whether it is merely a marker of disease or > whether it actually plays a role in causing atherosclerotic disease. > Many consider elevated CRP to be a positive risk factor for coronary > artery disease. > > Normal Values Return to top > > Normal CRP values vary from lab to lab, but generally there is no > CRP detectable in the blood (less than 0.6 mg/dL). > > What abnormal results mean Return to top > > Since the CRP is a general test, a positive CRP may indicate a > number of things, including: > > Rheumatoid arthritis > Rheumatic fever > Cancer > Tuberculosis > Pneumococcal pneumonia > Myocardial infarction > SLE > Connective tissue disease > Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parastic infection > Other causes of ongoing inflammation > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 >RBC (5.51 high) 4.2-5.4 HGB(hemoglobin) (16.2) 12-16 and this has been as high as 17 and also high in everyone of her CBC's > One condition not mentioned in the list of possibilities for these results is Haemochromatosis. This is an inherited condition that is generally considered quite rare but in actual fact is now slowly being recognised as one of the most common inherited conditions. If you have Haemochromatosis your body absorbs an excess of iron which it cannot get rid of and the excess iron accumulates in various body organs until it reaches a level that causes damage. It is often never diagnosed because the secondary conditions it causes are treated in their own right and not investigated further. If left untreated it is fatal but is easily treated by regular blood donation if discovered in time. It can cause secondary conditions such as diabetes, liver failure and heart disease. I had similar results to Sharon and blood test showed I had an excess level of iron in my system though it was at a level that required monitoring rather than being pathologically high. The gene test for Haemochromatosis showed that I am what is known as a compound heterozygote which means I don't have the full blown condition but will need to monitor my iron levels. In retrospect, my father died from a condition that could have been the result of undiagnosed Haemochromatosis at the age that would be expected for a male. Sharon should have iron studies performed, particularly her ferritin level and % transferrin saturation. Should these be high then the test for the Haemochromatosis genes is indicated. If she should test positive for any of the Haemochromatosis genes then close family members should also be tested. Here are some websites that will give you more information. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/974757337.html http://www.mercola.com/2002/dec/18/iron_diagnosis.htm http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/hemochromatosis.html http://www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/hfe/GH_Hemo_Risk.jsp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 Adelwijn, Thanks for your response and suggestions. I do find your concern of the iron level very interesting, for the reason of, Sharon has always been high in iron for as long as I've known her (29 years), but just outside the " danger " zone and had remaind stationery at that level without having any problems. She couldn't even take a 1Aday vitamin that had iron in it without causing a reaction. Even when she was pregnant. Sine her exposure her iron levels are extremely low and when we first got these results my jaw dropped. From what I have been told by some professionals that mold/mycotoxins feed on iron and I have also read this several times. So that explains that. But because these organisms feed on iron why should I take the chance of giving her suppliments (as some have suggested.) It's kind of a catch22, same thing with eating a chocolate candy bar, that was the only thing at one time that releaved her from the severe headpain. It was feeding on the sugar. I know you didn't suggest it, I'm just thinking out loud here. If you go into that link and click on " giant cell (temporal, cranial) arteritis " , she had almost everyone one of those symptoms and still does. The facial pain and numbness, swollen temples, (which a doctor finally put in his notes, along with the discoloration), and hot spots throughout the head that a doctor finally laid his hand on her head before it even got severe and said, " My God, you're like a volcano " . This one scares me, because every night she gets like this, her temperature goes up and the headpain gets worse.The only symptom she didn't have was the weight loss. KC > > >RBC (5.51 high) 4.2-5.4 > HGB(hemoglobin) (16.2) 12-16 and this has been as high as 17 and > also high in everyone of her CBC's > > > > > One condition not mentioned in the list of possibilities for these results > is Haemochromatosis. This is an inherited condition that is generally > considered quite rare but in actual fact is now slowly being recognised as > one of the most common inherited conditions. If you have Haemochromatosis > your body absorbs an excess of iron which it cannot get rid of and the > excess iron accumulates in various body organs until it reaches a level that > causes damage. It is often never diagnosed because the secondary conditions > it causes are treated in their own right and not investigated further. If > left untreated it is fatal but is easily treated by regular blood donation > if discovered in time. It can cause secondary conditions such as diabetes, > liver failure and heart disease. > > I had similar results to Sharon and blood test showed I had an excess level > of iron in my system though it was at a level that required monitoring > rather than being pathologically high. The gene test for Haemochromatosis > showed that I am what is known as a compound heterozygote which means I > don't have the full blown condition but will need to monitor my iron levels. > In retrospect, my father died from a condition that could have been the > result of undiagnosed Haemochromatosis at the age that would be expected for > a male. > > Sharon should have iron studies performed, particularly her ferritin level > and % transferrin saturation. Should these be high then the test for the > Haemochromatosis genes is indicated. If she should test positive for any of > the Haemochromatosis genes then close family members should also be tested. > > Here are some websites that will give you more information. > > > > http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/974757337.html > > > > http://www.mercola.com/2002/dec/18/iron_diagnosis.htm > > > > http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/hemochromatosis.html > > > > http://www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/hfe/GH_Hemo_Risk.jsp > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Hey- Haven't heard about any dangers of Procrit but I have been on it over the past year or so. I have standing order for weekly injections. They help me tremendously. I usually take it when I get down to 9-10, sometimes at 11. It really helps with my fatigue and weakness as well as helps me think clearer. Except for the injection poke itself, I really don't see any side effects from it. All of my doctors have encouraged it. 35 CML 5/13/05 Gleevec 800mg Wife an mother of 3 (11,8,6) ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Hi My onc does not want to give me Procrit, I am on AMN107 (nilotinib) now and I have infusions of HGB every three weeks or so. I have platelet infusions about every week. The trouble with the HBG infusions is that your ferritin builds up until you have to go on desferal (see Desferal --http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/dfsc.html) or a new drug called Exjade put out by same company as Gleevec and almost as expensive. (http://www.exjade.com/index.jsp)Problem with Exjade it that a lot of companies will not cover the expense. I am lucky that mine will cover 80% but what is left is real expensive for me. My HGB count as of yesterday is 94,000 and I expect that I will need a infusion sometime next week or so.. So as of now I have to infuse myself every morning for 12 hours with desferal, The above web site will explain how I do that but it is bothersome and my poor belly is getting pretty well black and blue.. Skipd DX'ed 1978 see my diary of counts and infusions at http://easyskip.tripod.com --- joanfporter <cellphonejoan@...> wrote: > I haven't posted in a long time. I have been very > tired lately more > than normal so I got copies of my last bloodwork and > my hemoglobin is > down to 10.9. I have always gotten Procrit in the > past, but my ond. did > not suggest this time. I have more bloodwork done > today and I will call > and get the results later. Does anyone know how you > have to be to get > the shots before ins or Medicare will pay. I think I > saw a blurb on the > news about the dangers of Procrit. I really like > getting Procrit, > because I feel so much better. By the way all my > other counts are good. > I am scheduled for an appointment at Moffitt > Wednesday. I will be > getting a new Dr. then. I have been without a Dr. at > Moffitt since July > of last year. That is a whole other story. I would > appreciate feedback. > Peace and love to all, > Joan Porter > ville, Fl > dx'd 8/03 > Gleevec 400mg. > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 I am getting old forgot to answer last question here is a web site that will explain dangers of procrit http://www.procritlawsuit.com/?gclid=CIOYjvao0YsCFSRHQQodix7_ow --- joanfporter <cellphonejoan@...> wrote: > I haven't posted in a long time. I have been very > tired lately more > than normal so I got copies of my last bloodwork and > my hemoglobin is > down to 10.9. I have always gotten Procrit in the > past, but my ond. did > not suggest this time. I have more bloodwork done > today and I will call > and get the results later. Does anyone know how you > have to be to get > the shots before ins or Medicare will pay. I think I > saw a blurb on the > news about the dangers of Procrit. I really like > getting Procrit, > because I feel so much better. By the way all my > other counts are good. > I am scheduled for an appointment at Moffitt > Wednesday. I will be > getting a new Dr. then. I have been without a Dr. at > Moffitt since July > of last year. That is a whole other story. I would > appreciate feedback. > Peace and love to all, > Joan Porter > ville, Fl > dx'd 8/03 > Gleevec 400mg. > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Hi , The docs at OHSU have no problem with Procrit. Dr. Druker followed all patients on the injection for more than a year and saw no problems with it. I know (think) you are a nurse? do you give yourself the shot in your belly? I used to get them in my arm.....much more uncomfortable. Easy in the belly, like a insulin shot. C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Hi Skip, I went to your link re: Procrit............it is from an attorney's office, not the best source of medical advice in my books!! Here is what was written: ESAs have been shown to cause increased deaths, non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and blood clots in dialysis patients receiving higher than recommended doses I think a key thing here is " higher than recommended doses " ...........when Dr. Druker Rx'x with Procrit, he only wants your hgb to get to the low end of the normal range.....between 12 and 13........and not higher. Some people are trying to get higher than that.....like athletes who do 'blood doping'. C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2007 Report Share Posted April 21, 2007 Hi , I read your post about all of your side effects.....I think you are getting a bum deal with SS. Maybe the lady who's husband had acute leukemia can't understand the difference and because her hubby got well, she cannot understand your situation. You might need to involve an attorney if you have not already done that. Also, I do wonder why they do not have you try Sprycel???? if you had some lung issues before, that might be the reason. I also go to OHSU, with Dr. Druker.........and my opinion is that he is maybe more concerned about quality of life than Dr. Mauro is???? I don't know if you could ever see Dr. D just to get a 2nd opinion about his thoughts.....a new perspective. I don't think you are on any trial....and I do know that some patients do switch oncs there (some places that is a definite NO NO)........so you might ask about seeing Dr. D just for a 2nd opinion about your situation. You seem to have an extreme case of the skin issues..........skin, hair, etc.......Gleevec is affecting these because of the c-kit involvement. I am now on Sprycel, and it definitely seems like my skin is affected less........no more fragile skin that I had with IM, don't sunburn so easily, etc......even getting a little more color. Some people who go on Sprycel feel much better on it.........and some don't (but it seems like many do). So, I would ask why not try Sprycel???? and there should be a good reason....just because you have a good response to IM, I don't think that is a good enough reason by itself if your quality of life is so bad. C. PS to the group.....I am off for about 3 weeks, so if I don't respond to a comment to me, that is the reason. Going to Santa Barbara for a visit with family, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Testosterone may tend to cause an increase in red blood cells, especially in older men. Most of the time, this is a welcome development since the increased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood may contribute to improved energy levels and less fatigue. In some men, however, the increase may be large enough to warrant ending the treatment, removing blood (as in donating blood) or decreasing the dose of testosterone. The effect seems to occur more often in men who receive testosterone through injections or pellets, presumably because of the extremely high levels achieved immediately after treatment. Switching to another delivery method that provides a more uniform testosterone level, such as occurs with patches and gels, may be all that is needed http://www.seekwellness.com/andropause/c_risks.htm On 8/29/07, snowy_owl_scowl <snowy_owl_scowl@...> wrote: > > Hey guys, > > Mine recently came back too high and my doctor has taken me off of T > for two weeks. Needless to say, I'm very unhappy about this. He > claims I'm at risk for a stroke and that there's nothing we can do but > wait and see if it goes down. I've been on TRT for 4 years now and > it's never been a problem before, but perhaps they weren't checking > for it. I know that this is a common side effect. Is there anything > I can do in the next two weeks to lower it myself? If it goes down, > he said we can start up again, but at half of my previous dose and > perhaps go up from there. If it doesn't go down, then what are my > options? Some sort of blood thinner? We didn't do an initial CBC > before I started TRT, so there's no way to know if I started high, > though the levels did go up between the last two draws. > Unfortunately, firing my doctor and the like is not an option for me, > so I'm looking for the best information I can toss back at him or a > DIY way to get the hemo levels down before I see him. Thanks in > advance for your advice! > > Tom > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 I'm assuming you're talking about excessive hemocrit. That can be improved by phlebotomy. If you are healthy, you could donate blood. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000589.htm Asprin is a worthwhile anti-platelet treatment. The baby asprin or 1/4 of a regular asprin is enough. In fact, studies show the lower dose asprin is more effective than the full dose. snowy_owl_scowl <snowy_owl_scowl@...> wrote: Hey guys, Mine recently came back too high and my doctor has taken me off of T for two weeks. Needless to say, I'm very unhappy about this. He claims I'm at risk for a stroke and that there's nothing we can do but wait and see if it goes down. I've been on TRT for 4 years now and it's never been a problem before, but perhaps they weren't checking for it. I know that this is a common side effect. Is there anything I can do in the next two weeks to lower it myself? If it goes down, he said we can start up again, but at half of my previous dose and perhaps go up from there. If it doesn't go down, then what are my options? Some sort of blood thinner? We didn't do an initial CBC before I started TRT, so there's no way to know if I started high, though the levels did go up between the last two draws. Unfortunately, firing my doctor and the like is not an option for me, so I'm looking for the best information I can toss back at him or a DIY way to get the hemo levels down before I see him. Thanks in advance for your advice! Tom --------------------------------- Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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