[Marlene]

So sorry that you have a need to be here, but WELCOME.

A couple of quick thoughts on your retic count.....

First, a better measurement to look at is your absolute reticulocyte count (ARETIC). This is the actual number of new red cells. The percentage can be misleading especially if it's not adjusted for the anemia (lower blood volume). At this point you want your ARETIC to be high.

Second, If you're producing a lot of new red cells....say an ARETIC of 97K, then I would expect to see a rise in HGB. If they're on the lower end of normal, then it may just be enough to keep you where you are. Has your doctor ruled out PNH or other disorders that actually destroy the red cells. They should make sure you're not bleeding anywehre.....but at your age, with that platelet count, I would not expect this to be an issue...but you never know.

Third, have they checked your iron levels, B12 and folate? Those all need to be in the middle of the normal range.

Lastley, prednisone is not normally used in the treatment of AA so you may want to explore that further.

When it comes to SAA, its always good to get another opinion especially from a doctor who deals with it on regular basis.

Please contiue to ask questions....this a complex disease and many docs have never seen it before.

Marlene