High B12, Ferritin, and Platelets with weight loss, dizzy spells

kmitchell22 @kmitchell22

My guess you will be in for some more tests to determine the changes in blood test results and reason for un planned weight loss.

Write down your questions, if it was me, some of the questions I would ask is?
- what does change in blood test indicate - they might not be able to answer question yet
- has liver, kidney and thyroid blood tests been run
- should scans be scheduled - CT / MRIs / Ultrasounds, GI tests

This might be a process of elimination, figuring out what it is not.

You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Wishing you best,

Laurie

Waiting is the worst! The best that I can tell you . . . is that you have all of us here standing beside you in spirit, waiting with you, hoping for good outcomes!

As an LVN you do know a lot about what the expectations might be. I second you on your concern about your weight loss. Anything over 10% of unintentional weight loss is a concern, and you’re at 20%. Some of that may be from stress, but even so, 20% is definitely a trigger to get medical help.

As Laurie mentioned above, you most likely will be going in for some type of scans. If the medical system you’re doctor works for doesn’t have the capacity to get you scheduled fairly soon for your scan, I’d look around at what medical systems are in your area and consider a change. A second opinion may trigger a scan at a new medical group, or if you have been recommended to see a specialist, you may want to go to a specialist that works where the facilities you will most likely need are available.
I didn’t realize how much this affected things until my biopsy came back with cancer. That doctor, and medical system (a very highly rated good group, but not cancer specialty) took 2 1/2 months after the biopsy to call me to BEGIN scheduling an MRI, appointments with specialists to discuss treatment, and surgery. Meanwhile I had contacted MD Anderson (Mayo is just as good) and already had a MRI, MMG, US and a surgery date. I told the original doctor and schedulers that I was going to MDA, but I guess they didn’t listen.

Caring family and friends may be thinking they are helping you by trying to down play symptoms or write them off as ordinary. Their intentions may be to calm you. But go with your gut feeling. Those numbers need to be investigated.

Doctor hasn’t contacted because vitamin D and hep c has not returned. I did a phone visit with another doctor who was so mean and dismissive. Phone call was 4 minute. She said nothing looks concerning. She said that I had the flu a couple weeks ago so ferritin and that b12 is a water soluble vitamin that’s released in urine so it’s not a concern. I’m upset and unsure what to do. I left work early and came home and rested as I didn’t sleep much last night. Woke up and my arms and hands have been hurting since. My back I’ve had issues a long time but that’s been very bad recently and neck and shoulders I’m sure from the tension I’m carrying. Any advice appreciated

That is alot of weight to loose so quickly. Flu and stress can be culprits. I lost 15 pounds in one week from Covid. Sounds like some dehydration issues may have possibly also skewed your blood tests.
Thyroid could be the issue. Make sure you get a complete thyroid panel. Have read it's best to get thyroid tests in the afternoon. Get a kidney scan. Liver enzymes Ast and Alt should be in range or pursue additional liver scans. Keep drinking more water. Get a massage for stress and back pain and see if that and other stress mgmt techniques help. I am Not a fan of chiropractors. I am not saying you shouldn't keep investigating but it is amazing how stress, overwork, improper nutrition and dehydration can cause so many issues like tachycardia, palpations, afib events, dizziness.
Check for adult onset diabetes too. Be your advocate but be calm, precise and diplomatic. Sometimes they get mean or feel threatened because of your education or background, especially when you question them. Hugs and prayers for you.

Also investigate thrombocytopenia for low platelets, but make sure blood test doesnt indicate dehydration.

Also depending how bad your flu was , could have caused the low platelets. Are you having any stomach or menstrual issues? Retest all blood panels when you insurance will allow.

Platelets were high, barely but 422

Good advice Laurie

I had an episode last night. At 1:30am I was laying down (been also struggling with insomnia) and I felt something in my tooth. I reached back and pulled a blood clot from my tooth. Ran to bathroom and spit about 6 times just blood. Could see another clot lodged between my teeth. I was so worried and started thinking of all the labs. I have an emergent dentist appointment in the morning. My PCP went ahead and ordered A1C and another liver function panel. Also, b12 and ferritin recheck after 3/9. Maybe it’s nothing but I just have been exceedingly worried. Thank you all for your responses and support

I have liver problems and my platelets do go up and down and they have for years. I also had a bit of high Iron. When I had my surgery at Loma Linda in 2022 I had to have a blood transfusion. Well the female Doctor there took it upon herself to add Iron supplements to my medication and people with liver problems can not take Iron supplements..smh. It could be stress. I will be praying for you. It's true you have to be your own advocate..that's what I have been doing. Please keep us all posted. We do care.