Vitamin deficiency
Has anyone had any problems with vitamin deficiency and low full blood count.
Hi
I have had problems with a very low B12 deficiency and very low to non existent folate levels - at different times thankfully! Both were resolved by Day Patient Infusions preceded by large doses of antihistamines to see off any allergic reactions (flushing, heat, rashes). These infusions both brought my levels back up to normal and no reason for the sudden deficiencies was ever found. I am vegetarian and take a daily B12 supplement and hadn’t experienced any heavy bleeding (folate levels). The low folate triggered a rapid Cancer Pathway series of tests resulting in a colonoscopy being required which found and removed 3 Adenomas but no source of blood loss was found so that remains a mystery. The very low folate showed up on my regular Blood Monitoring bi- monthly for DMards and the B12 was ordered by my rheumatologist because of my severe fatigue. Have to say that rectifying both has made no difference to my crushing fatigue levels - go figure🤷♀️
Other tests have shown a variety of low immunoglobulin levels which are monitored.
What has shown up in your blood results which is concerning you/your doctors?
Warmly,
Cece xFor the last 3 months my full blood count has been border line this month I was told my results were abnormal and have been referred to haematology now I'm worried.
does your monitoring book give you the normal range for the various blood results? It may also tell you what may account for drops in these readings. This seems to vary with different hospital monitoring depts.
I have previously Googled ‘low FBC causes?’ And ‘low neutrophils cause?’ So you may get info that way. Only look at reputable sources like govt health services or well known, reputable hospital sites like Johns Hopkins etc
Try not to worry as it’s most likely related to your treatment. Your drug information sheets from each medication that you take should give some indication of what may be causing this. Information is power but don’t disappear down any internet holes…!
Warmly,
Cece x
, while my weird lab issues are different than yours, I was also referred to a hematologist. I completley understand the worried feeling.
In my case, my eosinophils are way, way too high. It seems like there is always something with RA. The hematologist was very kind and reassuring. Both she and my rheumatologist believe RA is the driver. For now, we are just monitoring the situation.
I hope your hematology appointment goes well and the cause of your wonky labs can be identified and treated if need be.
Can I ask what symptoms you had with the vitamin deficiency
Hi,
! I am glad Cece has already chimed in here with their experience with vitamin deficiency. Some of the most common symptoms (depending the deficiency) include fatigue, sluggishness, brain fog, feeling run down, feeling cold, being more susceptible to viruses/colds, pale nail beds, etc. You might notice that a number of those symptoms also sound like RA symptoms, which can make it a challenge to spot vitamin deficiencies at times. The common deficiencies adults can experience include Vitamin D, B vitamins (like B6 and B12), iron (not a vitamin, but a common deficiency), etc.
The good news is that it's not terribly hard or expensive to improve some deficiencies, either with supplements or through diet. Here's some info on natural remedies (I am sharing it specifically for the vitamin/supplement info) -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/natural-remedies. This article is a bit more focused on the anti inflammatory properties of fruits and vegetables, but the foods included also happen to be pretty vitamin packed as well -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/nutrition/10-green-red-fruits-veggies-eat. I hope you get more helpful feedback from other community members, as I know at least a few of them have dealt with intermittent vitamin deficiencies.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
