Hematologist?

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As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with low B12 in 2016 and have been getting bi-weekly shots for about 2 years (was monthly in 2016 and early 2017).

My doctors have been running more tests to figure out the cause, and here are the latest results:

MCHC 32.2 g/Dl lower than normal (Range 32.3-36.5)

Folate: 2.9 ng/mL lower than normal (Range 7-31)

Vitamin B12: 365 pg/mL (range 213-816)

Iron Binding Capacity Unsaturated: 354 mcg/dL higher than norm. (range 112-347)

Iron Binding Capacity Total: 442 mcg/dL higher than norm. (range 250-400)

(this blood test was done on day 12 after getting my shot; I was due for my next shot 2 days later. Usually by the 2-week mark my B12 result is 300 or lower)

My provider wants me to see an hematologist. I am interested to find out if they can determine the cause of these results (I do eat meat and dairy and fairly healthily in general), but not sure what an hematologist can do? Intrinsic factor was tested last year and it didn't show PA. My provider suggested getting an endoscopy and colonoscopy to determine if there's something to do with my digestion and not absorbing vitamins well, but then she said let's leave it to the hematologist to order that testing if needed. Should I push back and request those tests anyway?

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    HI THERE, I' m Suzanne I am from the US ? I would push for more testing , from your GP. It is great that you are getting the shots so often . I have had PA for over thirty years, I take a shot once a week , it has become harder to not have digestion problems , but I continue to not give up on finding ways and foods to keep me going. NEVER give up.

    • Posted

      @suzanne57663 what do you mean by it has become harder to not have digestion problems? And do they know why you have digestion problems?

      The only thing that I can think of that is related for me so far is that I gave up gluten in 2015 but while it helps my stomach feel better, it hasn't helped with vitamin absorption.

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