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Severe anemia

Resolved Question:

Hi doctor. re recent CBC shows :
RBC 1.97
Hemoglobin 5.1
Hematocrit 17%

recent blood loss due to extreme monthly cycle. Are these levels low enough to need transfusion? I have all typical symtoms of low hematocrit count.

Category: Internal Medicine Specialist

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Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
 25 Doctors Online

Hello.

Yes there levels are low enough for transfusion. Although a decision on transfusion depends on lot of factors like general health, cardiac status and duration of anaemia, Hb of 5 mg/dl is very low and mostly warrants transfusion.

In addition you will require detailed haematological evaluation. Menstrual loss alone (unless very severe and prolonged) is unlikely to cause this server anaemia.

Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups / share reports / ask for clarifications.


Patient replied :

General health is good. Cardio work out 3-4 days week (out of the question now). Have not seen a doctor in over 5 years.(until now) Blood loss/ anaemia is 100% due to menstrual cycle. Was hardly able to walk or stand when at the apt for gyno. Still fatigue very easy. I know there is not another question here, just giving you more info. Trying to get doctors "order" for out patient hosp visit now.
Thanks,
jc


Hi JC,

I understand that you had severe menstrual blood loss and it could be the cause of the anaemia too. However it is strongly recommended to look into other causes of anaemia and get a haematological evaluation done. I am pretty sure that your Doctor will order for it, but if not you can request for it just to be sure.

You may Packed Cell transfusion (1-3 Packed Cells). Meanwhile the OBGYN will identify the cause for the menstrual bleed. Body might take few months to replenish the lost blood. Iron + Vitamin B12 + Folic acid supplementation is recommend for upto 6 months.

Wish you speedy recovery
Feel free to ask followup questions
Thank you


Patient replied :

Am currently taking pre-natal supplement. Will inquire about Haemat eval. OBGYN (may never see again) has not ordered any further tests and will not issue orders for hospital transfusion. wants me to go through emergency room. In this country that usually means an 8+ hour wait. Some as high as 24 hours. Illegals jam the system. They gave a price of $1,700 if I pay cash. 2,500 on insurance.
Thanks for yor help,
jc



Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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