Q: chronically low-normal HgB

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone-

I have a 61 yo female patient who I've been seeing for several years originally for psoriasis but now for stress and prevention.  Her HgB was 13 in 2007, 12.6 in 2008, and 12.2 in 2009.  This month it was 12.5, with RBC of 4.21, HCT 39.7, MCV 95, MCH 29.7, and MCHC 31.4 (low).  The HgB is lower than my optimum and the MCV is higher.  But her B12 was high at 1007, her folate was > 19 and her ferritin was 45.  She doesnt' take iron but if faithful with her B's (both Orti B and B-complex plus).  She does complain of fatigue and brain fog but she's also working an enormous amount and her husband is in kidney failure.  Her other iron makres (TIBC, UIBC, % sat) were all normal.   My question is why her HgB won't budge despite being non-deficient in B12, folate, and iron.  Any ideas?

 

Hindman, ND, LAc

Portland, OR

family practice, cancer