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

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Posted 10/3/2007 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
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!
Posted 10/3/2007 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
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!
Posted 10/3/2007 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
I always have the CBCs done....I have just never had to repeat one w/ the additional tests. Hmmm...still waiting on the nurse!
Posted 10/3/2007 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 10/3/2007 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 10/3/2007 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 10/3/2007 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
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!
Posted 10/3/2007 8:27 PM (GMT 0)

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.

Posted 10/3/2007 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
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!
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