Need help w/ bloodwork ?s....little worried

tjf

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Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 10/3/2007 10:48 AM (GMT -7)

Let me preface this by saying I have a call in to my GI's nurse...just waiting to hear back.

I went for my regular visit last week w/ my GI and he sent me for regular bloodwork (on Imuran). Today I get a note in the mail and all it says is "Dr. XXX wants more blood drawn in a month." The tests circled are "cbc with auto diff," "folate," and "Vitamin B12."

What do those mean and what is he looking for? I started to look up CBC online and completely freaked myself out. Sometimes the internet has TOO much info.

Hopefully the nurse will call me soon. In the meantime was hoping you guys could shed some light on this. Thanks!

Tabitha (Tab)

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dakotagirl

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Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 3402

Posted 10/3/2007 11:20 AM (GMT -7)

The CBC with auto diff is the normal test that my doc orders just to check on things. The B12 and folate... Hmmm... Have you been tired lately?

Personally, I wouldn't be too worried about it :)

Let us know what the nurse says!

Pan-colitis and GERD diagnosed May 2003

Asacol 12 per day, Azathioprine 75mg, Rowasa and Canasa as needed

Aciphex, Effexor XR, BCP, Rhinocort nasal spray

Culturelle, Biotin, Folic Acid, Forvia, Calcium, and B12

Osteopenia (hip and spine) from prednisone use. Started Azathioprine because I was steroid dependent.

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tjf

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Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 10/3/2007 11:26 AM (GMT -7)

I always have the CBCs done....I have just never had to repeat one w/ the additional tests. Hmmm...still waiting on the nurse!

Tabitha (Tab)

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-6 a day, Acidopholis Pearls, Prilosec OTC

https://www.healingwell.com/donate
Co-Moderator UC Forum

princesa

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Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 2204

Posted 10/3/2007 11:40 AM (GMT -7)

Folate and B12 are common vitamin deficiencies for IBDers. Maybe your levels were on the low side and he's retesting to see if you require supplementation.

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

C-scope confirmed UC diagnosis 9/18/2007

No explanation for right side pain and thickening of bowel wall

Maintenance dose sulfasalazine, back on a pred taper for first flare in years

Probiotics, l-glutamine and fish oil caps. George's aloe vera juice and Mucosaheal.

Bennie

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2006

Posts : 552

Posted 10/3/2007 12:28 PM (GMT -7)

A while back, someone here posted a website that describes the various lab tests. The site is http://www.labtestsonline.org/. I have found it very helpful trying to weed through all the tests that are given.

--Mom of bratcat (16 years old)--

bratcat was diagnosed with pancolitis October 2006

Current meds:

Asacol - 4 pills/3Xday

Rowasa - 7/07 tapering slowly

hydrocortisone enema - alternating with Rowasa

11/14/06 - started prednisone; 1/28/07 - finished prednisone!

3/3/07 - began to taper off hydrocortisone sloowwly! No more hydrocortisone enemas! Summer 2007 - slowly began tapering Rowasa

Keeping our fingers and toes crossed!!

9/07 -- flaring? Nightly Rowasa. 9/21/07 -- added hydrocortison enemas.

expecting226

Regular Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 402

Posted 10/3/2007 1:05 PM (GMT -7)

tjf - Two weeks ago, I had a CBC run with iron, folate and B12. I was complaining of feeling tired and my OB decided to run it because a previous CBC showed a low hemoglobin count. Basically, he was checking to see if I was anemic, and if I was, was I deficient in iron, folate or B12. From what I understand, it's a pretty routine test for people with diseases (or pregnancy) that put them at a risk of anemia.

Current Medications:

- Asacol (4 pills, 2x per day)

- Rowasa (1 enema daily, as needed)

- Folic Acid (1 mg, 1x per day)

- Calcium (600 mg, 2x per day)

- Prenatal Vitamin (1x per day)

tjf

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 10/3/2007 1:16 PM (GMT -7)

Hey guys! Thanks for that link. I am going to bookmark it....great site. I'm tired all the time so I wouldn't be suprised if something was off. Thanks again guys!

Tabitha (Tab)

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-6 a day, Acidopholis Pearls, Prilosec OTC

https://www.healingwell.com/donate
Co-Moderator UC Forum

jack99

New Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 19

Posted 10/3/2007 1:27 PM (GMT -7)

Hi,

azathioprine often causes a macrocytosis (this won't cause harm) - which means large blood cells - other causes of a macrocytosis are B12 and folate deficiency - so it may be that your doc has found your blood cells to be increasing size due to the aza and to rule out all problems wanted to check the B12 and folate - I wouldn't worry too much - if there was a big problem with your blood count he wouldn't wait a month.

tjf

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 10/3/2007 1:29 PM (GMT -7)

Hubby said the same thing. I would like to think my GI would call me if something was seriously wrong! I just needed to hear it from you guys!

Tabitha (Tab)

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-6 a day, Acidopholis Pearls, Prilosec OTC

https://www.healingwell.com/donate
Co-Moderator UC Forum

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