Are these blood results particularly wonky ? I'd really value some advice please .

[Pinkpoppy]

Hi all,
I've posted on this brilliant forum a few times now and had some fantastic advice so really wanted thoughts on some recent blood results.

To give a little history, a few months ago I found out I have some aphthous ulcers and active inflammation in my duodenum during an endoscopy which is not related to h pylori or anti inflammatory medication. The investigation was done due to my ongoing problems with indigestion so the findings were a surprise. Since this time I've had a borderline fecal calprotectin test (62). I've had IBS symptoms and low ferritinlevels for a few years. The GI consultant plans to test my fecal calprotectin levels again prior to seeing me again in 6 months which I feel okay with as I know my symptoms and results aren't alarming. He did mention the possibility of early or mild crohns.

So... recently I went to my GP due to feeling pretty rubbish i.e., tired, with lots of aching in my lower back and legs. A blood test was ordered which I now have the results from. I'll post the results that were 'out of range' below...

Mean corpusc. Hb. Conc (MCHC) 308g/l (315-345g/l)

Platelet count 438/l (150-400/l)

Lymphocyte count 3.62 (1.00-3.00/l)

Serum ferritin 11ug/L (15-150ug/L)

Serum folate 3.1ug/L (3.89-26.80ug/L)

What do you folks think ? What do these results mean ? How wonky are they ? Or shouldn't I worry.

Many thanks in advance. X

 

[Scipio]

Well,, the real answer should come from a discussion with your doctor. But off the top of my head some of these numbers look a little low (or high) but not shockingly so. Both the low mean corp Hb and the low ferritin suggest you might be anemic, which is very common in people with IBD. The low folate suggests you might benefit boosting your dietary folate, possibly by taking folic acid tablets. And the high lymphocytes may be due to some sort of inflammation or infection, and may be related to or at least consistent with your moderately elevated fecal calprotectin - and may or may not be related to the possible anemia.

But again, your best source of information is to follow-up with your doctor.

 

[Jabee]

Ulcers in your duodenum can definitely cause anemia. Your GP will at least want to keep a close eye on ͏y͏o͏u. What are they suggesting as a cause of the ulcers? And did your doctors put you on a PPI? I would recommend it since it will lessen the stomach acid that spills into the duodenum from the stomach.

 

[Pinkpoppy]

Hi Jabee, I've been on. PPI for a few years, doubled the dose a few months ago. The GI dr thought the ulcers may be due to crohns as he couldn't think of another reason. He eliminated other causes, i.e., h pylori and use of anti inflammatory drugs. My ferritin has been low for a long time (years) and I always have to request my own blood tests to monitor it. The ulcers he saw weren't actively bleeding and quite superficial so would they still be the cause ? . My platelets were high in my blood test in March also but GP has been very dismissive about them. I have a GP appointment today but I'm imagining he will be unconcerned and suggest I wait for my GI appointment in 6 months.

Thankyou both for the replies, I'll update after seeing my GP today.
Xx