Macrocytic anemia 108 mcv

[Nancee]

Hi I've been anemic for 15 years but told it was pernicious anemia. I have been taking injections of b-12 and they have increased them to every 2 weeks. I went to a specialist who diagnosed me with macrocytic anemia mcv 108 high mch and low red cells. My iron and b-12 are fine. He now is sending me to a oncologist hematologist and I asked could it be cancer? He said I didn't say that out loud ... all the other tests were negative lupus etc ... so I'm very scared ... is my next step a bone marrow biopsy? He took every blood test imaginable .... please help I'm totally exhausted,my body hurts, short of breath, dizzy, bruise very easily, headaches .... confused slow... thank you I'm very glad to find you ... oh I'm a woman 50 I'm still trying to work thank you again

[Neil Cuadra]

Nancee,

You mention several symptoms that are explained by anemia: being short of breath, dizzy, having headaches, and being confused. Confusion can also result from low B12, but your injections apparently keep your level up.

However, you also mention bruising very easily, which may indicate that your platelets are low. Since you've had every conceivable blood test, you can probably check your other counts from these test results. What is your platelet count?

If you are both anemic and thrombocytopenic (low on platelets) then it's quite possible that they'll want a bone marrow biopsy next, to get an idea what's going on in your marrow.

Although it's understandable that you're worried about hearing a worst-case diagnosis, it's a very good sign that you've been living with anemia and a treatment that works for all this time. Whatever deficiency you have, it doesn't seem to be progressing, or has changed only very gradually. I very much hope that they don't have to subject you to many more tests before they can give you a definite diagnosis, and that it's something easily treated.

[Nancee]

Yes the b-12 was working or seemed to but my b-12 levels are OK and iron and my mcv is 108 as is my mch high and red cells low I'm exhausted and in pain. But I'm not getting better it is lately much worse. My mcv has been high but 101 -102 just 3 months ago? I'm just exhausted. Is that normal?

[triumphe64]

Originally Posted by Nancee

Yes the b-12 was working or seemed to but my b-12 levels are OK and iron and my mcv is 108 as is my mch high and red cells low I'm exhausted and in pain. But I'm not getting better it is lately much worse. My mcv has been high but 101 -102 just 3 months ago? I'm just exhausted. Is that normal?

What is your hemoglobin level from your CBC test?

[Nancee]

I apolize if I don't understand all of this. I really appreciate your replies I fractured my neck in a car accident have two fusions c-4/5 6/7 Arnold chiari/syringomelia surgery gamma knife surgery for trigeminal pain .... do not smoke do very little drinking - as I said I have been diagnosed with macrocytic anemia with no cause - not iron - not b-12- serious fatigue, dizzness, migraines, asthma, rbc-3/ wbc-5/ mcv-108 / mch- 35/ Plat 235. The Dr said it was not lupus or rheumatoid etc...he was sorry but he was sending me to a really good hema/oncologist and he wasn't saying it out loud but it could be cancer or mechanical ? I may need a bone marrow biopsy? I work in an office .... I used to be able to reboot but I'm so tired and my body is in so much pain I just don't understand -my apt is next Tuesday -thank you again for all your direction .... you all are so strong!!! Have a wonderful holiday! nanceect@aol.com nancee 😊

[Marlene]

Do you know why your B12 was low and what the level was before starting the injections? And what is it now? B12 serum is the least effective way of measuring B12. B12 serum should be greater than 400 to be considered okay.

It's important to get the actual test results. Many doctor's do not consider a B12 problem unless it falls below the normal range. Studies have shown improving low normal B12 serum can have a positive effect the bone marrow as well as the nervous system. Get copies of all your labs and start keeping track of trends.

They should also check your vitamin D, copper, zinc and folate, homocysteine levels and MMA. You should not take any supplements 3 -4 days prior to testing.

Some people cannot convert the B vitamins to a usable form and need to take the bio-active form. This us usually due to genetic methylation issues.

[Nancee]

Yes they did test my B-12 it was 1200 .. and it has been high but my MVC keeps getting worse. the levels used to be 101, 102 now it is 108. my mcv has been high for years. my B-12 was low at one point, that was why they started the injections. my iron is fine , zinc, and all of the rest. I do have copies. It is only my MCV/MCH that are very high and red and white cells that are border line low... and all my symptoms... none of the usual culprits. my inr is 1
thank you again!