Anyone understand lab results?

[left-of-center2012]

I'll see my primary the day after Christmas, but the lab sent me a copy of my blood work.

There were two problems.
My HEMOGLOBIN and HEMATOCRIT were slightly below normal.

I'll also ask the orthopedic I'm seeing this coming Thursday.

[rampartc]

1. eat iron supplement or liver.

[Maine-i-acs]

2. Anemia

Hemoglobin - oxygen carrying component in red blood cells
Hematocrit - what proportion of circulating blood is actual red blood cells vs. plasma

Sometimes this is transient

Iron supplements or iron rich foods can sometimes help.

[vsrazdem]

3. If it minally low they will probably just monitor it for a while. Consistent low levels

could indicate anemia, iron deficiency or other. Increasing lower levels could could indicate peptic ulcer, colon or hemorrhoidal bleeding, but then your stools would be turning a dark or black color. Women can have lower H&H due to heaving menstrual bleeding. Your doctor will most likely monitor it if it is not too low.

[captain queeg]

4. Sounds like you are a little anemic

Like people say you’re probably not getting enough iron. But iron isn’t easily absorbed, especially iron pills. Takes a long time to build up. I was very anemic for awhile. Finally ended up getting a round of iron IV infusions. I think I am finally back to normal. A supplement I found that really helps is Foridex. It’s made from plants and flowers and seems easier for your body to absorb. You can get it online and probably some health food stores.

[Laffy Kat]

5. Eat more meat and green leafies (and I don't mean edibles, LOL).

Don't worry about it. They may want to re-test in a few months.

[woodsprite]

6. I was anemic before surgery, and was told

That the surgery would be cancelled if I couldn’t bring it up before surgery. I was told to eat beets, spinach or dark greens (pair w/ vit c fruit/veggies or meats/seafood because it helps iron absorption), red meats, and take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses per day. I knew about the spinach, oj, and red meat, but was surprised by the beets (1.4 milligrams of iron) and molasses (944 micrograms of iron).

Best of luck!