Blood Count Low

[Connemmara]

How would you be feeling if your blood count was low - I know these times re weather are very bad but I have reclused myself for about 2 weeks now. I just can't stand the cold. My friend has been taking the dog out meantime.

[Sharingan]

My mum has a low red cell count/ Haemoglobin and she is tired, listless, has palpatations and is much physically weaker than she normally is. She takes Ferrous Fumerate for it and has had transfusions in the past.

[LazyGun]

Well there are several things that are measured in a blood count that might be low, Connemmara - Haemoglobin level, Red Cell Count, White Cell Count, Platelets.

I am making the assumption that your are possibly wondering whether you might be suffering from an anaemia - where the Hb Level is typically lowered. The most common form of anaemia that presents itself is iron deficiency anaemia, and one of the most common symptoms is "Tired All the Time".

If you genuinely feel very tired and lethargic, if you are feeling breathless on exertion, or if you are especially pale, then you might have anaemia.

Should you have any concerns, it might be worth a consultation with your GP....

[Connemmara]

has the ferrous thing helped her

[LazyGun]

If you have been diagnosed with Iron deficiency, then treatment with an iron supplement, such as Ferrous Fumerate should help with the symptoms, although it is not necessarily treating the cause of the anaemia....

[Connemmara]

you are not going to believe this - I have to make an appointment with a doctor to get permission for the nurse to take the blood test - did you ever.

[MadMen]

Conne, don't just self-medicate, do as LG has suggested and go and see your GP.
Being reclusive won't help either. Wrap up warm and take the dog out. A bit of fresh air will probably do you the world of good :-)

[Sharingan]

Well I assume so, she takes it three times per day. She's not here at the moment I'll ask her for an update later one for you, but I'd go and see your Dr as her problems with this are part of a larger problem.

[LazyGun]

Treating the symptoms is often necessary for people to cope better, but, if your tiredness is in fact being caused by, say, iron deficiency anaemia it is important to find out the cause, and treat that too.

[Sqad]

Conne.........don't assume that your blood count is low, as if your are feeling tired, short of breath etc, then see your GP who will arrange a blood count.
We are giving answers to a condition that we are assuming is present.

[MadMen]

I agree with what Sqad says, in that you shouldn't just start taking medication for something which you may not even have.
I'm not trying to dismiss your concerns, but I honestly don't think staying in the house for two weeks will be helping you much. Make an appointment to see your doc, and in the meantime try and get out a bit and get some fresh air, even if it's just in the garden. The sun has finally made an appearance today, so go get some vitamin D! :-)