Good questions and ruminations, as usual.
I think Marlene would be a good one to weigh in on your post.
Neither we nor the doctor have been able to find much research about slightly to moderately low level copper and the effect on red blood cell production.
We have noticed that when Bruce's copper level has gotten into the normal range, stabilization of his red blood counts occurs a few weeks later. Also, when his copper level drops, there is a delayed reaction to the drop in rbc, also about 2-3 weeks. This is not a research finding, of course.
He was supplementing 10 mg day of chelated copper for 2 months, without his serum copper level or ceruloplasmin increasing significantly. After the IV injections of copper sulfate began, his copper level rose quickly to the mid 80's. Bruce also began herbal chelation to address his high ferritin levels, as well as wheatgrass supplementation. Bruce also continued to take 10 mg/day of oral copper.
After the initial spike into normalcy, the last 2 copper tests have been below normal, despite increasing the frequency of the IV injections to 2x/week.
We have not discussed the urine excretion findings with the doctor yet -- have an appt with him next week. After the nurse told Bruce about the high excretion rate of copper in Bruce's urine, we wondered whether there might be a connection between the high excretion rate, and the chelation and wheatgrass supplementation. So until he talks to the doc, Bruce has discontinued herbal chelators and wheatgrass.
As an aside, we also don't know about the potency or efficacy of the oral copper supplements Bruce was taking. After reading Chirley's posts, I tried to find a source here for tincture of copper sulfate. Our compounding pharmacies say they cannot create it. I found a supplier for a liquid copper sulfate tincture online. Ordered some and it arrived the temperature of a hot bath, along with a warning to keep it cool and dry.
Bottom line -- we don't know yet how much a role the copper level plays in Bruce's anemia. But he would like to get it into normal range long enough to rule it in or out as a factor. So, the journey continues.
Cheers, Catherine