Welcome To 'Ask A Doctor'. Please Type Your Question Here...I

Posted on Tue, 29 Jan 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 Answered on

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Question : Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor'. Please type your question here...I have recently been diagnosed with anemia, ferritin - 5, vitamin d -12 and hb - 96. 2 weeks later I had u expected blood tests and my hb is down to 90, I have also been taking tablets for the iron. Should my hb of dropped anymore whilst being on tablets and should I be worried? Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The hemoglobin can get lower while in iron only if bleeding.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

There is no possibility of iron dropping more while you are on iron tablet unless you are bleeding.
If you are not bleeding it can be a mistake of the laboratory.
You can see an improvement on hemoglobin only a month after treatment and it can be increased with 1 mg/dl.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Ok thank you, is 0.6 much Of a drop in 2 weeks or could outside factors affect it, such as dehydration?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
0.6 drop is relatively high.

Detailed Answer:
OK dehydration doesn't doesn't cause drop in haemoglobin.
First get controlled for bleeding.
0.6 in a week is relatively high but I can suggest you to continue taking iron supplement for a month then test again haemoglobin.
Test feritimemia after three months.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Sorry to ask one more question, but I have been getting swollen ankles and a fast heart rate. Would these be anything to do with it? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible renal disease.

Detailed Answer:
OK, a fast heart rate is caused by low haemoglobin levels.
Water retention, swelling ankels can indicate a renal problem which can lead to low hematopoetine hormone levels so low blood cells count.
Also water retention can cause hemodilution so low haemoglobin.
To judge better a total blood count with formula is needed.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj