Blood Test Results Concerning

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@chzuck I would demand a repeat of the blood work in 90 days. If values are still low, get a referral to a hematologist. If you can self refer go see one now to get a second opinion. I had MDS for a few years before it was diagnosed in 2023. My blood work had some slightly low and slightly high values for several years, but those values were ignored. In 2023 when I was actually diagnosed, my values were clearly low. It is not helpful when PCPs decide whatever problem you have is due to age.

I am confused by the claim that a lymphocyte level of 15.5 is low. To me, that seems high. What is your WBC?

While I agree with the overall message here, there is a lot of suggesting patients “DEMAND THIS” and “DEMAND THAT”.

They get what they want but not what they need.

Why ask a dr if you already have your mind up about your care needs?

My drs respond better to working with me. Taking my supplements with me for my dr to see what I take from over the counter; and a friend to ask or answer questions is much more productive than demanding stuff. Just my opinion.

On ANOTHER APP on the same topic, it’s common to see everyone with low iron is being told to “Demand infusions” AND DEMAND TO get a hematologist, even tho they are not required for iron infusions.

If you don’t trust your dr, get on the help line with your insurance in getting someone else.

As someone who has been ill for 60 years, I can tell you, DEMANDING gets you LITERALLY WHAT YOU WISH.

My primary care dr is what counts. My hematologist merely orders and interprets labs. But my dr includes the labs with my other health issues and has been more helpful that the hematologist who said I’m FINE NOW because I got one good lab report.

My dr showed me where she actually meant, “you are very ill but finally not advancing as expediently”.

None of this was solved by iron infusions.

It’s trending right now. My drs are enjoying helping me in between the patients who DEMAND results, regardless of their role in their own health status.

Luckily Amazon is the Heath care leader of the future. Nobody will need drs anymore. Just look online!

“DEMANDING “ a hematologist is all the rage right now.

They are not common and they are not needed to prescribe iron infusions.

Just DEMAND the treatment and skip the specialist.

Hematologist’s ARE NOT THE DR FOR IRON INFUSIONS. Your regular dr can order them.

Having a specialist for demanding infusions is cutting into time spent with patients who need SPECIALIZED care.

There are INFUSION CENTERS private and with health care centers.

Ask your dr. Maybe you will need a hematologist after iron supplementation was not helpful.

THEN you need a different kind of care requiring a hematologist.

Because I am on Methotrexate I get a CBC panel every 2 months.

8.8, middle of the range.

The RBC, Hb and HCT levels are somewhat different for men than women. Women tend to run a little lower than men. These levels are just slightly lower than expected but I think do bear watching since you’re seeing a downward trend. You might ask to have them repeated and ask if there are any other tests that might shed some light on the cause. I am thinking a ferritin (stored iron) and because of your age a screening test for blood loss from the GI tract. If the counts are lower next time a hematologist referral would be appropriate, as there are many reasons this could be happening, not just iron deficiency. You’re right-age is not a valid explanation.

@chzuck hello! I suppose if I am to be objective, as we age the body does behave badly in one way or another, but as an active 72 year old, I find it to be very irritating when every health misstep is attributed to age. I see a gerontologist who absolutely does not make this assumption. Bonus points…I am always one of, if not the youngest person in the waiting room. It makes me feel like a spring chicken.
Connect is a good place to learn about the experiences of others with similar health challenges, but we are not able to help you with lab results or render a diagnosis as that is the role of your physician.
It sounds as though you are frustrated by your last conversation with your physician. It’s hard to sit with health-related anxiety. Perhaps you can schedule a Telehealth appointment to discuss your concerns. A second opinion is an option as well. I would encourage you to make a list of your questions and ensure that they are all answered. One can be assertive without being overbearing.
I bet if we took a poll, all of us have enlisted “Dr Google” for diagnostic help, but she is a poor substitute for a real conversation.
Will you let me know how this works out for you?

On Tuesday, June 25th, I had blood tests done for my afternoon phelobotomy to receive my iron levels , etc. which is normally done about 3-4 hours ahead of the phelobotomy. I asked for a lip panel while they were drawing the blood anyway. I received a triglycerides reading of 1,772. This is the second time in 3 years, first time attributed to clinical error. I was shocked. I insisted on seeing a doctor that week for a retest, (on Friday, June 28th), it came back in the 300’s….still high, but way off of 1,772. What other tests involving labs have been a clinical error???? Anybody?