Understanding MCV Fluctuations
I recently visited the emergency room where I underwent some laboratory tests a few weeks back, revealing an MCV of 84. Last Wednesday, I went for another set of routine lab tests—something I hadn't done in a while—and received a clean bill of health overall. However, my doctor left me a message noting that my MCV has increased to 97. Is this kind of variation typical? If it's concerning, what specific questions should I bring up with my physician? I tend to feel anxious about phone calls and usually need to plan what I want to say in advance. As for my health background, I don’t have any known issues that could impact MCV, and the medication I’m currently taking, bupropion XL, doesn’t appear to have any influence on those levels either.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 4:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: MCV (mean corpuscular volume) variations can occur for various reasons, but significant changes should be understood. It's important to discuss any concerns with your physician and prepare specific questions.
Explanation: MCV is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. Normal MCV ranges typically fall between 80 and 100 femtoliters. Having an MCV of 84 in one test and then 97 in another could indicate fluctuations due to several factors including hydration status, recent diet, or even the timing of the tests in relation to your health changes. While variations can be typical, a change from 84 to 97 is significant and may warrant further discussion with your healthcare provider.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare Questions: Before reaching out to your doctor, consider asking the following:
- What could have caused the increase in my MCV?
- Should we conduct further tests to determine the underlying reason for this change?
- Are there any symptoms I should watch for in relation to my MCV levels?
- Is there any specific follow-up care I need to consider?
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how you're feeling. Note any fatigue, weakness, or other unusual symptoms that may occur. This information can be helpful for your doctor.
-
Manage Your Anxiety: If phone calls are difficult, you might write down your questions and concerns in a note or practice what you want to say beforehand. You could also consider discussing your anxiety about calls with your doctor, who might suggest alternative ways to communicate.
-
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with conditions related to MCV fluctuations, such as vitamin deficiencies or dehydration. This can help you feel more comfortable during your conversation.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to seek clarification and express any discomfort regarding your health. Preparing in advance can make these discussions easier and more productive.
Related Questions
Should I consider a biopsy for my thyroid nodule?
I’m a 44-year-old female weighing 120 pounds, and I currently do not take any medications nor do I have any other health concerns aside from this one issue. I have developed a thyroid nodule situated on my isthmus, measuring 1.3 centimeters. It is classified as TR4, appearing hypoechoic and solid. I’ve been experiencing several troubling symptoms, including pain in my ears, discomfort in my neck, a sore throat, and issues with my breathing. Overall, I feel unwell and have been for several years now. I am contemplating whether this nodule could be the source of my problems and if a biopsy is necessary.
Experiencing Hand Weakness and Numbness
I’m a 22-year-old female currently grappling with intermittent numbness in my hands that has persisted for about a week. Last Saturday, after consuming a gram of caffeine, I encountered several troubling symptoms: double vision, swelling in my legs and feet, persistent numbness, weakness, significantly elevated blood pressure (165/105), and a rapid heartbeat (138). Fearing the worst, I visited the emergency department; my nurse hotline suggested I do the same due to my concerns about the numbness. During my visit, they performed an electrocardiogram (EKG) which showed sinus tachycardia, and conducted various blood tests to examine my electrolytes, A1C levels, kidney and liver functions, along with a complete blood count (CBC). Thankfully, all results came back normal. It’s worth mentioning that I haven’t been sleeping well lately, which could have played a role in my condition. Ultimately, I was released with a diagnosis of an adverse reaction to caffeine and paresthesia. When I inquired whether stress could contribute to paresthesia, the doctor confirmed it could. Currently, a week later, I’m still battling sleep deprivation and the numbness has intensified, accompanied by recurring double vision and swelling. I’ve also noticed that the numbness has extended to my index finger, particularly worsening when I engage in extensive writing. I have a medical history that includes early-onset arthritis, obesity, kidney issues, a low-capacity bladder, mental health concerns, unexplained tachycardia, elevated DHEA levels, migraines, cyclical vomiting, and suspected narcolepsy. My medications include the Depo shot, metoprolol, trazodone, Abilify, Cymbalta, metformin (I am neither diabetic nor pre-diabetic), pantoprazole, and prazosin. I’m curious if anyone has insights into what might be the cause of these symptoms. As a full-time student, visiting the doctor often disrupts my studies, especially during this busy period of quizzes and exams. I truly wish to avoid another appointment since I seem to be there frequently, but I’m uncertain about the urgency of my situation. Is it advisable to wait another week before seeking help?
When Should I Consult a Doctor Regarding Neck Pain?
Age: 22 years Weight: 90 lbs Height: 5’0" Diagnosis: Anxiety, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Medications: Paxil, Propranolol, Nexplanon implant, Zofran Approximately one week ago, I awoke with severe discomfort in my neck. I had no issues when I fell asleep, which led me to think my rest was simply inadequate. After taking some ibuprofen, I proceeded with my day as usual. However, the neck pain has not subsided. It extends into both shoulders and is accompanied by significant stiffness. This has hindered my ability to perform certain job-related tasks. Despite taking ibuprofen and Tylenol regularly, experimenting with hot baths containing Epsom salts, and utilizing a heating pad, nothing seems effective. The discomfort intensifies when I lift heavy objects or attempt to twist or turn my neck. It also disrupts my sleep, as I frequently wake up due to the pain. The discomfort peaks when lying flat, making it nearly unbearable, prompting me to sleep in a propped-up position. Upon waking, if I start off lying flat with my head turned, I've often found myself having to use my hands to gently realign my neck. Additionally, I struggle to rise from a lying posture, needing to kick my legs to assist in sitting up. It feels somewhat trivial to visit a doctor and explain, "I didn’t sleep well, and now my neck has hurt for a week," yet I'm contemplating whether it's time to seek professional help.
Accidentally Ingested a Bottle Cap
Age: 15 years Weight: 219 pounds Height: 5 feet 9 inches I have a tendency to chew on water bottle caps when I open them, a habit that I recognize is not wise. Unfortunately, I recently swallowed one and now I'm experiencing some mild discomfort in my upper chest. Aside from that, I feel alright overall right now.
Could This Be HPV?
I’m a 26-year-old male, weighing 175 pounds and standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall. I am a heavy smoker, which I hope is relevant to the situation. I’m feeling extremely anxious and seeking some clarity on a concern that has arisen. Recently, I noticed something unusual upon waking up a few days ago, and it remains unchanged since then. The area doesn't exhibit any pain or itching. Apologies for the quality of the visual reference; the size makes it challenging to get a closer look.