My family doctor mentioned for years that my blood tests show that I have slightly enlarged red blood cells. But, he never tried to find out why - I guess it wasn't out of range enough. Recently I changed GP doctors and the new one also ran a ferritin test [I think, first I have ever had done] and discovered that my ferritin level is around 500+ which is double what the lab says is in the normal range. So, she sent me to a hematologist who ran more blood tests. Then, the hemo sent me to a GI-IBD specialist because, he says in my case, it is a marker for inflammation. I have a history of digestive problems that has never been fully diagnosed + plus an ER visit with partial bowel obstruction. So, now scheduled for upper and lower scopes + biopsies in October [possibly followed by a pill cam]. Anyone else have high ferritin and enlarged red blood cells as part of your symptoms for Crohns?
High Ferritin + Enlarged Red Blood Cells
- Thread starter Tummyache
- Start date
Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:
David
Co-Founder
Ever been tested for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency? That would enlarge your red blood cells and it's VERY common in people with Crohn's OR could cause digestive problems that can mimic some symptoms of Crohn's (not an obstruction though).
As for the high ferritin, give this a read.
As for the high ferritin, give this a read.
I really don't understand how vitamin B12 and folate could still be low as I have been taking Bronson's "Therapeutic Formula" of vitamins + minerals and "Super B's" [along with 500mg calcium, 2000 mg vitamin C, 1000 IU vitamin D3, 1200 mg fish oil, 1000 mg flax seed oil, garlic, and cranberry] daily since I was told I had deficiencies in the 1980's...also, have recently added probiotics at AM and PM. If it is deficiencies, my small intestinal absorption must still be messed up - which, I guess, all goes along with digestive disorders like Crohn's? Although I am not looking forward to the endos + biopsies in October, and certainly will be glad when it is over, it will be interesting to find out what the GI sees, if anything. I haven't had a "flare" [I've been calling them "episodes"] of any consequence in over 6 yrs. So, whatever I have must be low grade..or possibly a quasi-remission? What got me into all this doctor referral business was the high ferritin level.
Last edited:
David
Co-Founder
If you're taking that, you're probably not low in folate, but you can definitely still be low in vitamin B12. For many who are deficient due to Crohn's Disease, an oral formulation is not enough to get into the optimal range. If they haven't tested your B12, I would strongly recommend that. And 1000iu of vitamin D isn't enough for most unless you spend plenty of time in the sun. I'd get that tested as well. If/when you get the results, get the actual number, don't let them just tell you "low normal" or "normal" as the reference range for those vitamins isn't very good. We can provide additional insight if you want to share the data.
