Hematology Results Interpretation Request
Greetings, I'm a 77-year-old female who leads an active lifestyle despite dealing with ongoing chronic back pain attributed to conditions such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. During my recent annual examination, my hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were notably low; I am usually on the lower end of the spectrum, but this time my hemoglobin registered at just 10.6. The medical team suspects a potential bleed related to my use of NSAIDs. Fortunately, occult blood tests returned normal results. Both a colonoscopy and endoscopy were performed and deemed normal as well. I have discontinued all NSAID usage, yet I find that acetaminophen provides inadequate relief, and I am now reliant on a daily dose of hydrocodone 5/325. Although I have been taking iron supplements somewhat regularly, my fatigue persists. Here are my lab results from this week. I would appreciate any insights you could provide regarding interpretation: # IRON DEFICIENCY PANEL ### % SATURATION |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|6.4 %|20-55 %|final| ### FERRITIN |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|14.7 ng/ml|13-150 ng/ml|final| ### IRON |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|28.20 ug/dL|37-160 ug/dL|final| ### TIBC |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|440 ug/dL|245-400 ug/dL|final| ### TRANSFERRIN |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|314.42 mg/dL|192-382 mg/dL|final| ### UIBC |Test Conducted|Result|Reference Range|Status| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |Feb 5, 2026 3:46:00 AM|412||final|
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 6:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns and lab results. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, along with the iron panel results, suggest that you might be experiencing iron deficiency anemia. This can contribute to your ongoing fatigue and is important to address, especially given your history of NSAID use and the need for pain management.
Explanation of Your Results
- Low Hemoglobin (10.6 g/dL): This indicates anemia, which means your blood is not carrying enough oxygen.
- Iron Deficiency Panel Results:
- % Saturation (6.4%): This is very low, indicating your body does not have enough iron available for red blood cell production.
- Ferritin (14.7 ng/ml): While this is within the reference range, it is on the low end, showing limited iron reserves.
- Iron (28.20 µg/dL): Also low, consistent with iron deficiency.
- TIBC (440 µg/dL): Elevated TIBC suggests that your body is attempting to increase iron absorption, which is common in iron deficiency.
- Transferrin (314.42 mg/dL): Within range, but notable in the context of low iron.
Next Steps to Consider
-
Continue Iron Supplementation:
- To address your low iron levels, ensure you are taking a high-quality iron supplement, ideally under healthcare guidance. Consider increasing your dosage if approved, as it may require more than what you're currently taking to correct the deficiency.
-
Improve Iron Absorption:
- Pair your iron supplements with vitamin C (like orange juice or a vitamin C supplement) to enhance absorption.
- Avoid taking iron with calcium supplements, dairy, or caffeine, as they can hinder uptake.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Incorporate iron-rich foods such as lean meats, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, and fortified cereals. Additionally, include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables alongside these meals.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of your energy levels, fatigue, and any other symptoms over the next few weeks. If you don’t see improvement with these adjustments or if your symptoms worsen, reevaluation of your case may be necessary.
-
Pain Management Alternatives:
- Since you've discontinued NSAIDs, consider discussing alternative pain relief options with your healthcare provider, as relying on hydrocodone may not be sustainable. Gentle exercises, physical therapy, or certain topical treatments might also help with your chronic back pain.
Conclusion
Addressing your iron levels will likely help with your fatigue, but it may take some time to see significant improvements. Stay proactive about monitoring your symptoms, and if you have further questions or concerns, consider reaching out for more personalized guidance. You're taking important steps by being aware and seeking help, and I’m here to support you with any further information you may need.
Related Questions
Intense Pain in the Lower Back
I am a 31-year-old female who does not smoke or drink. Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling perfectly normal. However, as the day progressed, I began to notice a growing discomfort in my lower back, though it wasn’t alarming at that point. My boyfriend and I decided to visit a vintage market, where I was wearing heeled boots. I casually mentioned to him that my back was a bit sore, but I didn't think it was serious. After our market trip, we enjoyed lunch seated at a high table. Soon after our meal, I expressed that the pain had intensified significantly. Upon returning home and removing my boots, the pain escalated to a level that was quite severe. I spent the entire afternoon and evening lying in bed, only getting up a few times since around 2 PM until now, which is 1:03 AM. During this time, I’ve been applying heat to my back and have used Tiger Balm along with some essential oils that my mom provided for pain relief. I’ve also been alternating between Advil and Tylenol for pain management. While walking is quite uncomfortable, I haven’t experienced any tingling or numbness. However, I did have a few muscle spasms that caused tightness in my lower back accompanied by sharp pain. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Evaluating My 8-Year-Old’s Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
I apologize for the lengthy account, but I feel it’s necessary to share my daughter’s situation. For over three weeks, my 8-year-old daughter has been suffering from constant and severe abdominal pain. At first, she rated her discomfort between 4 and 6 on a scale of 10, but it has now escalated to a range of 6 to 8 during the past week. In the first week, she also experienced a fever and a runny nose. Our family doctor suspected a urinary tract infection (UTI) and prescribed antibiotics on the fourth day, but these did not alleviate her pain. On the seventh day, I took her to the emergency room where an ultrasound and urine analysis were performed. The doctors ruled out appendicitis and indicated the possibility of mesenteric adenitis, which involves the lymph nodes in her abdomen. While her fever subsided by the tenth day, her pain intensified. When I returned to the ER on the twelfth day, further ultrasounds and blood tests returned normal results, and the physician suggested that constipation might be the issue. However, I pointed out that she has been having regular bowel movements without any straining. The doctor referred us to a pediatric specialist. During this entire ordeal, my daughter has been unable to attend school due to the significant pain, which often leaves her cringing in distress and struggling to sleep. She has been walking around the house hunched over, holding her stomach. On the fourteenth day, we visited the pediatrician, who ordered an X-ray that revealed moderate stool accumulation in her colon. When I inquired about treatment options, he advised increasing her activity, ensuring she drinks plenty of water, and encouraging her to return to school to aid in her recovery. At this point, I was alternating Tylenol and Advil every three hours for pain relief, but it was proving ineffective. I began monitoring her bowel movements, which remained at about 1 to 2 daily, scoring a 4 on the Bristol stool chart. Nevertheless, the intensity of her pain prevented me from sending her back to school. By the twentieth day, she reported pain in her neck and a shoulder, and I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes beneath her ears. On the twenty-second day, I returned to the ER to secure another referral to the pediatrician. The doctor expressed skepticism about mesenteric adenitis since it had persisted too long, and given that her lymph nodes were not enlarged during the previous ultrasound, recommended that constipation was unlikely due to her normal bowel patterns. He suggested that the issue may primarily lie in her mind-gut connection, implying that simply helping her resume her usual activities could be beneficial. Frustrated, I was advised to have her undergo a bowel cleanout just in case. Now we are on the third day of this process, with only a couple of small, soft bowel movements daily, yet she continues to experience significant pain. We are currently awaiting another appointment with the pediatrician. I am left bewildered by her condition. It’s worth mentioning that she is typically a lively and cheerful child, deeply engaged in school, sports, and activities with friends. She is shy and polite at medical visits and often struggles to comprehend the questions posed to her, which may hinder her ability to fully communicate the severity of her discomfort. I fear this leads to my concerns being dismissed as exaggeration.
Experiencing Left Hip Pain and Swelling in Leg
I'm a 27-year-old male. The day before this issue arose, I had some mild discomfort in my groin area, which resolved later that same day. However, when I woke up the next morning, I noticed a dull pain in my left hip, prompting me to walk with a noticeable limp. As the day progressed, I began to experience tightness in the same leg; it felt heavy. During a brief stroll, I encountered shortness of breath, a quickened heartbeat, and mild dizziness. Upon returning home, I observed considerable swelling in my left thigh, including a visible vein. Now, two days later, while the swelling has lessened, the limp persists. I haven't experienced any fever or elevated temperature. What might be the underlying issue causing these symptoms?
28-Year-Old Woman Struggling with Severe Illness Despite Normal CRP Levels
I’m a 28-year-old female dealing with some serious health issues. I have a history of Graves’ disease (currently in remission) and polycystic ovary syndrome, but I do not have asthma. Recently, I have been feeling exceptionally unwell, which is surprising because I've previously survived both COVID-19 and pneumonia. It all began on Wednesday with severe body aches and an uncomfortable sore throat, but I managed to sleep. From Thursday onward, however, sleep became nearly impossible, with only brief intervals lasting 1 to 2 hours, adding up to about 10 hours of rest since then. Thursday also marked the start of a painful cough that aggravated my throat significantly, and I recorded a temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius at night. By Friday, my shortness of breath became intense. Every slight movement or change in position required wheezing and left me sounding like Darth Vader for several minutes while I tried to recuperate. The struggle to sleep continued. Come Saturday, the situation escalated. My breathing issues intensified to the point of feeling as though I was suffocating with even minor movements. Additionally, my upper back and chest began to ache, particularly when I coughed. In light of the worsening condition, I reached out to Denmark's out-of-hours medical service. Upon evaluation, the doctor assessed my back, pulse (which was elevated), and chest, and administered a CRP test. To my astonishment, my CRP level was only 8, leading him to conclude that there was nothing significant to address, suggesting that the illness was on the mend. Although I'm not a medical professional, this interpretation of CRP levels doesn’t align with my understanding. Consequently, I was sent home with no further assistance, and my throat and oxygen levels weren’t examined. Now, on Sunday morning, my condition has deteriorated further. I find myself struggling to breathe even while seated and have a constant sensation of suffocation. Lying down is impossible, as it triggers feelings of choking. My temperature fluctuates, only reaching what is considered “normal” when I take paracetamol; unfortunately, this does not alleviate my pain.
Possible Causes for My Discomfort
Hello everyone, I understand that what I’m about to ask may seem trivial, especially since I realize that an accurate diagnosis requires imaging tests or a face-to-face consultation. However, I am simply seeking some insight. I am experiencing discomfort in a specific spot that I have indicated in a previous image. This sensation has been lingering at a mild level for quite some time, particularly intensifying following sexual activity. However, after a recent mishap while skiing, the pain has escalated significantly. Now, it becomes particularly bothersome when I walk. I do have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Tuesday, but I am eager to gather some preliminary thoughts on what might be causing this issue. Thank you for your assistance!