Guest guest Posted June 24, 2004 Report Share Posted June 24, 2004 Patients' Perspectives What ARE those blood tests? http://www.yana.org/aboutbld.htm This document is NOT intended to provide you with medical advice. You should consult qualified practitioners in your area for such information. Our pages about bloods come in two parts with a third page showing a diagram of the various components of the blood. The current page contains descriptive information about the various components of blood and the various tests. Part Two, Sample Reference Ranges for Blood Tests, has a list of commonly used blood tests, their measurement units, and the "normal" range of results at one laboratory some of our members use. In addition, a diagram showing the various components of the blood may be helpful. We provide this information to help educate patients about the usefulness of these tests. As usual, you should consult qualified practitioners at the medical center where you are treated for complete and accurate interpretation of your own results. CBC with platelets and five part differential A CBC is a complete blood count. This means that your doctor wants to know the amounts and proportions among the various components of your blood, explained below. The term differential refers to the fact that each person has several different kinds of white cells and each type performs a different function in our bodies. The differential measures each different kind of white cell and calculates the proportion of each as a percentage of all the cells in your blood. White blood cell count: White blood cells are also called leucocytes (luke-o-sites). The white blood cell count is simply the number of white blood cells in your blood. It is often reported in thousands. Some labs report this as numbers like 4.6, i.e., 4600 white blood cells, while others report it as the whole number, i.e., 4600. Among patients this is frequently called whites, as in "What were your whites today?" The whites and the differential are the two tools your oncologist uses to help figure out what's happening to your body while you're being treated and how your bone marrow is reacting. Red blood cell count (also called erythrocyte count): Red blood cells are also called erythrocytes (ee-ree-throw-sites). The red blood cell count is simply the number of red blood cells in your blood. It is also often reported in millions. Some labs report this as 5.5 while others report it as the whole number, 550,000. Patients have also developed their own shorthand for this and often call it "reds". The reds reflect more about what's happening with the chemistry and physics of your blood as you're being treated. The life of a red in your body is usually about 120 days (4 months). Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the primary component of your red blood cells. This amount is reported as grams per deciliter (a deciliter is 1/10th of a liter). The hemoglobin carries oxygen and carbon dioxide around your bodies. It has one part called heme which contains iron and the characteristic red pigment of your blood called porphyrin (pore-fer-in). The other part is a protein called globin formed from a number of amino acids. The oxygen easily combines with the heme so it can get around to your body's cells. Because the oxygen actually attaches to your hemoglobin, it is important for your doctor to know how much hemoglobin you have. Hematocrit: Hematocrit is a measure of the "mass" of your red blood cells. In this test, the blood cells and plasma are separated (that's what the word hematocrit means) and the proportion of reds in your whole blood is reported as a percentage. This value is calculated and, as such, is slightly less accurate than a hemoglobin count which is measured directly. Mean corpuscular volume: This ratio is calculated for your doctor. The equation for the ratio is: MCV (g/dl) = (hemoglobin (g/dl) * 100) / HCT (percent) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: This ratio is also calculated for your doctor and reported in your test results. The equation for this ratio is: MCH ( pg/cell) = (hemoglobin (g/dl) * 10) / RBC (pg/L) Red cell distribution width: Normal red cells are approximately round and have some variation in their width. But, abnormal variation in size, called anisocytosis (ann-iso-si-toe-sis), together with MCV, helps your doctor determine what kind of anemia you may have. Platelet count: This is a simple count of the number of platelets in your blood. The result is reported in thousands by most laboratories, for example, 140, or, in other laboratories as the actual number, for example, 140,000. Platelets are critical to clotting and preventing bleeding. Mean platelet volume: This measures the size of your platelets. It is reported in femtoliters. Its values, with other information, help your doctor evaluate low platelet counts. Differential: Each of the various kinds of white blood cells performs several different functions. They include: Neutrophils: Combat infections, among other functions Eosinophils: Work on allergic disorders and parasitic infestations among other functions Basophils: Work on parasitic infections among other functions Lymphocytes: Combat bacterial infections, such as strep, and viral infections, such as measles and chickenpox, among other functions Monocytes: Work on severe infections, among other functions (one of our reviewers refers to this as the PacMan of blood cells) Each of these components is reported in two ways, as a percentage of the total number of whites and as the total number of that particular component reported in thousands, for example, 4.6 or 4600. Blood chemistry tests A group of these tests are usually performed together, primarily for cost-savings. For the cost of two or three of the individual tests, it is possible to perform many tests in an automated system. The combination of tests is usually called a chemistry panel, chem panel, or comprehensive metabolic panel. The various blood chemistry tests listed here are ones from the panel as well as some others that are often checked for certain patients. CO2 content: Determining your CO2 level gives your oncologist an idea about whether your blood is acidic or alkaline. As with several of the tests in this list, this gives your doctor an idea about whether your treatment might be affecting your kidneys. Severe vomiting and severe diarrhea can also affect your CO2 levels. Finally, because some chemotherapy regimens also include diuretics, this can be used to see whether those are affecting you adversely. Electrolytes These are tests to be certain that cells in various parts of your body have the chemicals needed to operate properly. Except for calcium and phosphorus which are reported as milligrams per deciliter, electrolytes are reported in micromols per liter. The amount of nearly all these will decline whenever you become dehydrated, such as through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. When one or more of these becomes abnormally low, you are likely to develop serious physical problems so part of your treatment, especially during chemotherapy, will include replacing these chemicals. Calcium: Most of your calcium is stored in your bones and teeth. But, for your muscles to flex, and for your heart to beat (it is, after all, a muscle flexing), your body needs what is called ionized calcium, that is, calcium in a specific form which is NOT part of your bones and teeth. If the level in your blood is abnormally low, your body will draw calcium from your bones and teeth, which can result in other problems. If your calcium is too high, your oncologist will institute specific therapies. See the discussion of phosphorus below as well. Chloride: This helps your cells operate properly. In between your cells is an area called the extracellular spaces. Molecules that need to move into and out of your cells depend on a process called osmosis, which governs the movement of molecules through permeable membranes, including the walls of your body's cells. Chloride in the extracellular spaces helps osmosis work properly. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is required together with calcium for your bones. However, some of it is found in other parts of your body as well. It is required so that new bone can be formed. It is also required to metabolize both glucose (the simple sugar found in your blood) as well as lipids (fats). As part of its role in metabolism, it also helps move energy around your body. There must be a balance between calcium and phosphorus in your body. When one increases, the other is decreased by excreting it through your kidneys. So, if you have excess calcium, you may have abnormally low phosphorus and vice versa. Potassium: Potassium is the principal electrolyte in intracellular fluid, that is, fluid inside your cells. Even if you don't eat any potassium-containing foods (bananas and dark, green leafy vegies for example), your body still excretes potassium. It's quite likely that, if you're unable to eat for a period of time, your body will have a low potassium level and you might require a pill or other medication. Potassium is very important for conducting nerve impulses, for muscle functioning (again, especially the heart), and in the osmosis process mentioned in the discussion of chlorine. A low potassium level can be determined also by looking at an electrocardiogram which will show a U-wave in the absence of the proper amount of potassium. Too high a level of potassium can be fatal. Sodium: Sodium is the principal electrolyte in our blood. The other electrolytes are there but not as prominant. Like potassium and chlorine, it is important in cell osmosis. It is also important in the transmission of nerve impulses. A number of compounds work at keeping the level of sodium in our bodies at an appropriate level and, even if we become dehydrated for some reason, it is quite difficult to reduce the amount of sodium circulating in our blood without fundamental, underlying health problems. Glucose and related tests Glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar. For anything you eat to be used by your body for energy, it needs to be converted to glucose. Not only are "big" sugars such as sucrose (found in granular sugar) or fructose (found in soft drinks and other "sugary" treats) converted to a simpler form, but lipids (fats) and complex carbohydrates (such as grains) are also converted to glucose. The big sugars convert to glucose most quickly and lipids convert most slowly to glucose. Complex carbohydrates convert to glucose at an intermediate rate. Glucose is reported in milligrams per deciliter. Elevated glucose levels, as in diabetes, can interfere with proper metabolism of your chemotherapy drugs and can otherwise interfere in your life. Glycosylated hemoglobin: Glycosylated (gli-cos-i-lated) hemoglobin is a measure of your long-term control of blood glucose levels. This test is primarily used for monitoring diabetics. As reds circulate, they combine some of the glucose in your blood with hemoglobin to form a special form of hemoglobin called glycohemoglobin. The amount of this as a percentage of your total hemoglobin is reported in your test results. If good control of blood glucose levels does not occur, this test will indicate the situation to your doctor. Metabolic products Metabolic products are "waste products" of your cells. They need to be removed from your body. Your blood is one way that these are removed from your cells and the areas around them and moved to your body's garbage dumps for processing. The three metabolic tests listed below are reported in milligrams per deciliter. Bilirubin, total: Bilirubin (billy-ru-bin) is a result of the breakdown of red blood cells which are then handled by your liver. If your reds are undergoing their normal process and your liver is fine, your bilirubin level will be within the normal limits. But, if your reds are damaged somehow or if your liver is inflammed, obstructed, or otherwise damaged, the amount of bilirubin is likely to go up because your blood will be hauling the damaged reds off to the liver for processing. Blood urea nitrogen: This is sometimes also reported simply as urea nitrogen or as BUN. It describes how your kidneys are functioning. This test is less sensitive than the test for creatinine, but taken together, the two tests can help your doctor understand whether your chemotherapy, other treatment, or other disease is having a negative effect on your kidneys. Creatinine: Creatinine (cree-ah-tuh-neen) is a measure of how your body metabolizes energy. It is produced at a steady rate and depends on the amount of muscle in your body. Larger people will produce more than smaller people. If the amount of muscle in your body changes, the amount of creatinine will change. Creatinine is normally excreted through your kidneys, so this also gives an indication of how well your kidneys are functioning. Protein tests The two major protein tests, albumin and total protein are reported in grams per deciliter. Proteins are responsible for many functions in our bodies, including transporting certain molecules to the parts of our bodies where they're needed, regulating certain enzymes that govern our bodies' functions, and as immunologic agents. Albumin: The levels of albumin are another clue that your oncologist uses to see how your treatment is affecting your body. For example, when you have IVs, become dehydrated, or have decreases in your liver or kidney functions, the amount of albumin circulating in your blood will change. Total protein: The total amount of protein in your blood will change when you become dehydrated or when your blood becomes hemoconcentrated due to fluid loss for some reason. This is also an indicator of a number of different problems with various organs of your body. So, this test is used together with other tests to monitor your progress. Enzyme tests These enzyme tests are reported in units per liter. The various enzymes are present in a variety of situations in your body. Each one is a measure of how well (or poorly) a particular organ or group of organs is functioning. Alkaline phosphatase: Alkaline phosphatase (alka-leen fos-fuh-taze) is found primarily in the bone and liver and somewhat in the kidney and colon. It is a measure of liver and bone disease and, thus, in some sense is also a tumor marker. If you have new bone that's just forming, (osteoblasts are the cells that do this), this measure will change. ALT (SGPT): This stands for alanine transaminase (al-a-neen trans-am-in-ase), which is an enzyme present in the liver, with lesser concentrations in the heart, muscle, and kidneys. It is used primarily to diagnose liver disease of various kinds. AST (SGOT): This stands for aspartate transaminase (ass-par-tate trans-am-in-ase) which is an enzyme present in areas of your body that are metabolizing glucose rapidly. When cells are injured or die, AST is released into the blood stream. Because it measures the presence of damaged cells, it gives your oncologist a clue as to how your treatment is progressing and how it's affecting various parts of your body. Aspartate transaminase is present in your liver, muscles, and lungs, among other organs. LD: LD is short for lactic acid dehydrogenase (dee-hyd-rog-en-ase). It is an enzyme within your cells that is present especially in the kidneys, liver, brain, lung, heart, reds, and skeletal muscles. It is useful in monitoring the status of the organs in which it is particularly present. It is reported in units per liter. Lipoprotein tests Lipoproteins are proteins related to fat in your body. Cholesterol: This test is the most commonly used indicator of your risk for atherosclerosis and related heart disease. You're likely to have this test on a regular basis, if you had a high value at initial testing. if you're trying to lower your cholesterol by diet, or if you're on a cholesterol-lowering medication. It is reported in milligrams per deciliter. Triglycerides: This test measures your body's ability to metabolize fats. It, like cholesterol, is a measure of risk for atherosclerosis and related heart disease; but, because triglyceride levels are independent of cholesterol level, doctors often want to know both values to make a better evaluation of risk. Because this test is very sensitive to diet, it is always measured on a fasting basis, i.e., you cannot have had anything to eat or drink (except water) for twelve hours before your blood is drawn for this test. Lipoprotein electrophoresis: Often determined at the same time as a triglyceride test, this test measures the amounts of the various kinds of lipoproteins in your blood. Two types are most frequently reported: High-density lipoprotein (also known as HDL or alpha) is popularly known as the "good" lipoprotein Low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL or beta) is popularly known as the "bad" lipoprotein Tumor markers: CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen): This tumor marker is found in about 60 percent of human all breast cancer tumors. The marker is reported in nanograms per milliliter. It is also found in a large percentage of colorectal cancers. It is used as a monitor to follow the effects of chemotherapy and/or surgery. It is NOT a screening test, i.e., it is NOT used to determine whether or not you have cancer.. CA 27.29: This is a relatively new test which replaces the CA15-3 test that many of us have had. HER-2/neu : This is a genetic mutation in which a protein called HER-2 (also called erb-B/2) in cells is "overexpressed". "Overexpressed" means that instead of the "usual" number of copies, the person has literally hundreds of copies. The test for HER-2 overexpression is not commonly found in normal lab tests. However, in order to be treated using Herceptin, you will need to have your HER-2/neu level tested based on your original tumor blocks. At this point in time, the laboratories which were involved in the Phase III trial of Herceptin are the ones with lots of experience in this arena. Your her-2/neu value reports you as being an "over-expressor" or not being an over-expressor. Over-expression means that the area of your DNA where this sequence appears has multiple copies, not just a few extra but many, many copies of the sequence of DNA information referred to as her-2/neu. The latest test for HER-2/neu overexpression is called a FISH test (fluorescence in situ hybridization test) which is a DNA probe assay. It is only approved for use in women with primary breast cancer (not metastatic disease) who are node-negative. Approximately 30 percent of patients with breast cancer will be HER-2/neu overexpressors. Something more than 60 percent of patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) will be overexpressors. Infrequently seen measurement terms fL = femtoliters (1/1000th of a microliter) pg = picograms (per cell) for MCH mml = micromol (1/1000th of a mol -- remember the mol without an "e" from high school chemistry?) 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Guest guest Posted June 24, 2004 Report Share Posted June 24, 2004 Anemia What is anemia? Anemia is a blood disorder that is defined as: a level of red blood cells (RBCs) that is below normal, or a level of hemoglobin that is below normal (hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells). There are several forms of anemia, such as: iron deficiency anemia hemolytic anemia (destruction of RBCs) vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia folic acid deficiency anemia anemias caused by inherited abnormalities of RBCs (for example, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) anemia caused by chronic (ongoing) disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. How do the different forms of anemia occur? Iron deficiency anemia: This most common form of anemia is caused by blood loss. For example, women lose blood during their menstrual periods and from repeated pregnancies. This type of anemia may also develop if you have internal bleeding in the stomach (as with ulcers) or in the intestine (as with colon cancer). Iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Pregnant women may have this form of anemia because the baby uses the mother's iron to make red blood cells and to grow. Hemolytic anemia: This kind of anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed or damaged by infection, drugs, or inherited conditions. Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) deficiency anemia: This type of anemia results when the stomach or intestines have trouble absorbing vitamin B-12. For example, an immune system disorder called pernicious anemia prevents normal absorption of the vitamin by the intestinal tract. Stomach or intestinal illness, some medicines, and some inherited disorders may also cause vitamin B-12 deficiency. Some vegetarians may not get enough vitamin B-12 from the foods they eat. Besides causing anemia, a lack of vitamin B-12 affects the nervous system and may cause symptoms of numbness, tingling, balance problems, depression, or memory problems. Folic acid deficiency anemia: Anemia due to a lack of folic acid in the diet is similar to B-12 deficiency anemia, but there is no damage to specific nerves. However, it can cause depression. Not having enough folic acid in the diet can also cause birth defects. This anemia is common in: alcoholics, who often suffer from malnutrition pregnant women people whose intestines have problems absorbing nutrients from food people using some daily medicines, such as phenytoin, sulfasalazine, and possibly birth control pills. Anemia caused by inherited problems with red blood cells: The most common types of inherited problems that cause anemia because the red blood cells are abnormal are sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that causes abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is most prevalent among people who are African, African American, Mediterranean (Italian or Greek), middle Eastern, East Indian, Caribbean, and Central or South American. The abnormal RBCs are damaged or destroyed as they pass through the circulatory system. The anemia causes many symptoms. It can cause a condition called sickle cell crisis. The crisis may occur under certain conditions such as altitude or pressure changes, low oxygen, or some illnesses. In sickle cell crisis the RBCs become even more deformed and block tiny blood vessels, causing acute, prolonged pain and other complications. Thalassemias are a group of inherited anemias caused by abnormal hemoglobin. The abnormal hemoglobin may cause abnormal red blood cells as well as low hemoglobin levels. Thalassemias most commonly affect people of Mediterranean descent, but some types also affect peoples of Africa, Asia, India, and the South Pacific. Most forms of thalassemia are mild, but some forms cause life-threatening disease in children. Anemia caused by disease: Anemia caused by ongoing (chronic) disease is common in people who have: cancer inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis ongoing infections kidney disease. What are the symptoms? Mild anemia usually does not produce symptoms. More severe anemia is associated with: weakness fatigue pale skin, gums, skin creases, and nail beds. Other symptoms of worsening anemia include: lightheadedness, especially when you change positions, for example, when you stand up fast heartbeat shortness of breath fainting chest pain heart failure. Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) may be a symptom of hemolytic anemia. How is it diagnosed? Your health care provider will carefully review your symptoms and examine you. You will have a complete blood count (CBC) to confirm anemia and to see how severe it is. You may need other blood tests to determine the type of anemia. How is it treated? The treatment depends on the type of anemia you have. You will have follow-up visits with your health care provider to check your blood count and the effect of your treatment. Iron deficiency anemia: To treat iron deficiency anemia (if there is no underlying disease causing blood loss), your health care provider will simply prescribe iron supplements and/or a diet of foods rich in iron. Iron tablets may have side effects such as abdominal cramps; nausea; constipation; and dark, hard stools. To lessen side effects, your health care provider will start you on a low dose of iron and slowly increase your dose to the necessary amount. He or she may suggest that you take vitamin C with the iron pills to help your body absorb the iron. Taking the iron at mealtimes can help prevent stomach and intestinal upset. Do not take antacids and do not eat or drink any dairy products at the same time you take the iron pills. Antacids and dairy products prevent the body from absorbing iron. Only rarely are iron shots needed. Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia: If you have this form of anemia because your stomach does not absorb vitamin B-12 well, the usual treatment is a shot of vitamin B-12 once a month. In some cases your health care provider may prescribe an oral tablet. Folic acid deficiency anemia: The treatment for folic acid deficiency anemia is daily oral folate tablets. This anemia is similar to vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. You should not start taking folate supplements until your health care provider has made sure you do not have vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. Anemia caused by inherited abnormalities of RBCs: Sickle cell anemia usually requires frequent treatments. Sickle cell crisis requires IV fluids, rest, pain relief, and sometimes a blood transfusion. The treatment for thalassemia depends on such factors as the severity of the anemia, your age, and the risk of blood transfusions. When blood transfusions are needed for acute anemia, there is a small risk that you will get a blood-borne disease such as hepatitis or AIDS, even though donated blood is carefully screened. For this reason, your health care provider will recommend a transfusion only when it is clearly the best treatment for you. People who have thalassemia must not take iron tablets. Anemia caused by chronic disease: Fortunately, the effects of this type of anemia usually tend to be mild. For certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, your health care provider may prescribe regular shots of erythropoietin. These shots cause your body to make more red blood cells. How long will the effects last? The symptoms of mild, easily treated anemias, such as iron deficiency anemia, respond quickly to treatment and improve in just a few days. The symptoms of chronic anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, come and go. Anemia associated with a chronic disease usually improves or worsens as the disease improves or worsens. How can I take care of myself? Follow your health care provider's instructions. Take your medicine as prescribed. What can I do to help prevent anemia and problems it causes? The prevention of anemia depends on the cause. If your anemia is caused by a deficiency in your diet, eating foods rich in the missing nutrient will help to prevent a recurrence. To prevent the complications of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia, follow your health care provider's treatment of vitamin B-12 injections. If you have sickle cell disease, it is important not to get dehydrated (that is, not to lose too much body fluid). Dehydration can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Genetic counseling is important for families with inherited anemias. Developed by Phyllis G. , RN, MN, and McKesson Health Solutions LLC. Published by McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Adult Health Advisor 2003.2 Index Adult Health Advisor 2003.2 Credits Copyright © 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 My mistake the meds are called procrit, another injection.....joy! What can happen to you when your counts go down? maybe that is a stupied question, but I don't know. Also does anyone else out there get really thirsty. I seem to not have a problen drinking water, because I am thirsty all the time. Thanks for all your help Marguerite Dave <dhz920@...> wrote: I believe the normal range is like 13 - 17. It is not unusual for it to go down during treatment. Mine was dropping pretty low and then it just jumped back up a little bit before the end of my treatment, enough that I didn't have to interrupt the treatment. I'm not familiar with the medication you describe. I know if the counts get too low, they can lower your dosage of ribavarin. That is a battle we have all fought on this treatment. I believe that is a leading factor in the fatigue we all seem to go through. -dz-marguerite Lester <margueritaville66@...> wrote: Just wondering if anyone knows anything about hemoglobin counts mine is at a 9.7 and my doctor is putting me on something called protoco, or protocol. any info anyone could offer, I would very much appreciate. Thank you Marguerite Do you ?New and Improved - 100MB free storage! __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 -that treatment completely dehydrates you.I woul wake up in the middle of the night with my mouth incredibly dry. Sharon -- marguerite Lester <margueritaville66@...> wrote: > My mistake the meds are called procrit, another > injection.....joy! > What can happen to you when your counts go down? > maybe that is a stupied question, but I don't know. > Also does anyone else out there get really thirsty. > I seem to not have a problen drinking water, because > I am thirsty all the time. > Thanks for all your help > Marguerite > > > Dave <dhz920@...> wrote: > I believe the normal range is like 13 - 17. It is > not unusual for it to go down during treatment. Mine > was dropping pretty low and then it just jumped back > up a little bit before the end of my treatment, > enough that I didn't have to interrupt the > treatment. I'm not familiar with the medication you > describe. I know if the counts get too low, they can > lower your dosage of ribavarin. That is a battle we > have all fought on this treatment. I believe that is > a leading factor in the fatigue we all seem to go > through. -dz- > > marguerite Lester <margueritaville66@...> > wrote: Just wondering if anyone knows anything about > hemoglobin counts mine is at a 9.7 and my doctor is > putting me on something called protoco, or protocol. > any info anyone could offer, I would very much > appreciate. > > Thank you > Marguerite > > > --------------------------------- > Do you ? > New and Improved - 100MB free storage! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 I had a big thrist also. When my counts dropped below 10. The Dr put me on epagon also another injection. Then my coubts rose up above 10. Terrymarguerite Lester <margueritaville66@...> wrote: My mistake the meds are called procrit, another injection.....joy! What can happen to you when your counts go down? maybe that is a stupied question, but I don't know. Also does anyone else out there get really thirsty. I seem to not have a problen drinking water, because I am thirsty all the time. Thanks for all your help Marguerite Dave <dhz920@...> wrote: I believe the normal range is like 13 - 17. It is not unusual for it to go down during treatment. Mine was dropping pretty low and then it just jumped back up a little bit before the end of my treatment, enough that I didn't have to interrupt the treatment. I'm not familiar with the medication you describe. I know if the counts get too low, they can lower your dosage of ribavarin. That is a battle we have all fought on this treatment. I believe that is a leading factor in the fatigue we all seem to go through. -dz-marguerite Lester <margueritaville66@...> wrote: Just wondering if anyone knows anything about hemoglobin counts mine is at a 9.7 and my doctor is putting me on something called protoco, or protocol. any info anyone could offer, I would very much appreciate. Thank you Marguerite Do you ?New and Improved - 100MB free storage! __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Janielle, The rise in platelets beyond the normal levels is best thought of as a " rebound " phenomenon. The bone marrow, in an attempt to recover quickly, is put into " hyperdrive " . The marrow " overshoots " the normal range temporarily. It is most likely not indicative of anything. There is the possibility of an elevated platelet count being indicative of iron deficiency. With clearing of the marrow, the RBC production might have improved and " used up " the iron. This is also easily checked for. Rick Furman, MD > > Dr. Furman, > > Thank you so much for your reply on the lowering of blood counts. I had sent in a second message after I had received the remaining counts and was wondering about the rise in platelets. My doctor did not have an answer and there is a lot of information on the internet about blood counts, but not in reference to a rise in platelets unless of course, you have had treatment. > > My platelets have been in the normal range for over a year. But just recently (with the lowering of white counts and lymphocyte counts) my platelets rose to 414 and they were 300. My neut% is 37 and my mono% is 1. I'm just wondering what I could be doing to cause this - and if it is a good thing. > > Thank you for any information you provide. I truly appreciate the time you spend answering questions to those of us who aren't your patients. It shows how dedicated you are to your profession and your kindness as a person. > > Respectfully, > > Janielle Hedt > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2010 Report Share Posted March 29, 2010 Dear Claude, In comparison to your CBC, I offer you mine: WBC: 2.9 RBC: 3.41 Hgb: 11.4 Hct: 35.8 Plt: 54.0 Yes, many of us have below normal counts, but we keep trodding along, they are not far out of the way. Just another kink in our blood system. Hands & hearts, Lottie Duthu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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