Low Blood Count

[Misky]

My mother, who is seventy-two, was recently treated for "a raging urine infection" with antibiotics, and the doctor referred her to a consultant at the Hospital. We assumed this was a Consultant who knew about urine infections, but it turned out he was round the other side, and after colonoscopy she was diagnosed with diverticulitis. She was sent away from Hospital with instructions to drink more water and eat a bowl of All Bran or the like for breakfast. She didn't go back to the GP (despite us asking her to), because the Hospital hadn't told her to. Then two weeks ago she started to feel swimmy, tired and sickly. She had blood tests and yesterday the GP told her the results are that her "blood count is a little low, but nothing to worry about". There was no advice on what she can do to make this better, or what in fact it means. I've tried googling, but sites tend to refer to pregnancy or chemo. Can anyone give me any advice to pass on please? She's been fit and healthy before all this started, just before Christmas so it's a bit unsettling for us all! Thanks.

[daffy654]

Buy her a bottle of multi vitamins with iron in, that should help if her blood count isn't too low.

[society]

Anaemia describes the condition in which the number of red blood cells in the blood is low. For this reason, doctors sometimes describe someone with anaemia as having a low blood count. Anaemia is actually a sign of a disease process rather than a disease itself. It is usually classified as either chronic or acute. Chronic anaemia occurs over a long period of time. Acute anaemia occurs quickly. Determining whether anaemia has been present for a long time or whether it is something new, assists doctors in finding the cause. This also helps predict how severe the symptoms of anaemia may be.

[Misky]

Thank you both - I'll get her some multi-vits with iron today (she force fed me these when I was younger, it'll be interesting to see the results when the tables are turned). And I'll try not to worry about society's answer... The word "anemia" wasn't mentioned as such at the GP's, but if that's what low blood count means, I'll start with that. Thanks.

[society]

Does she like to eat liver? Have her eat that a couple times per week.

[Misky]

She does like liver, but only has it about once a month. It's funny when I think, all the things she warned me about when I was younger, that would happen if I didn't get enough iron..... and here she is. I do feel a lot better now though, and obviously disappointed in the GP who could have said this, but that's a different subject. Thanks for your help.

[LoftyLottie]

Diverticulitis and colitis can affect you by making you feel tired and swimmy and sickly (and don't I know it). You don't always get the benefit of the goodness from your food. If her blood count is only a little low and 'nothing to worry about' then I wouldn't worry.

She does need to drink plenty of water though and, from experience, older people often just don't drink water. I wouldn't get iron tablets unless a doctor has advised it. They don't suit all people. She needs to eat a healthy mixed diet. Keep an eye on what she is eating. She needs to get lots of sleep and not get overtired.

I can't emphasise the 'drinking water' bit enough.

[society]

Iron tablets cause some to be constipated so do check with your GP. As Lottie said, a well drinking water every day and a balanced diet is a good way for her to begin.

[Misky]

Thank you so much for the replies. You're right about getting her to drink water, that's been an uphill battle I've had for a couple of years (since Doc Martin brought up the subject!), but she's still otherwise so fit and strong she finds it hard to believe I may know about these things when I'm the baby of the family (at 42). Thanks for your help all....

[LoftyLottie]

I am nearly 63 and my mother (unfortunately she died last year at 89 years old) thought that she knew it all and that I was young and knew nothing until the day she died, bless her. Could I get her to drink water - no I couldn't!! She just didn't drink enough of anything to be honest. I think it's common in elderly people (I am not far off myself am I ;o) )

[Sqad]

Not enough information, for any rational answers.

You need to know:
1)Are the red cells low?
2) Are the white cells low.
3) What type of anaemia...? Iron deficiency?Pernicious anaemia
4) Do I need treatment?

Go back to your GP with these questions.

[Misky]

LoftyLottie, I'm pleased it's not just my family then! Squad, she won't go back to the GP with these questions, which were things I asked her myself, she says he's told her not to worry so she won't. If she had been on behalf of someone else, particularly my dad, me or by brother or sister, she would have asked these questions and not left until she had an answer. But there you go. Thanks for this.