Hi,
I got a copy of my bone marrow biopsy (BMB) report done last month. I have just a couple of questions about my results.
I am IgG lambda MGUS. In my past 2 bone marrow biopsies, I have had increased iron stores. My recent BMB says decreased histiocytic iron with decreased erythrocyte iron.
But I'm not anemic on my CBC? However, I do feel anemic. My acquired von Willebrand did get worse.
Can anyone share there experience with decreased bone marrow iron stores? Should I take iron?
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Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
Hi Bad Blood,
There are some postings in this thread,
"Counteracting anemia," Beacon forum discussion started July 22, 2014
that may provide you with some useful information or links to other related information, even though the discussion doesn't directly address your situation.
There are some postings in this thread,
"Counteracting anemia," Beacon forum discussion started July 22, 2014
that may provide you with some useful information or links to other related information, even though the discussion doesn't directly address your situation.
Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
It is possible that you can have iron deficiency without anemia. It would be important to know if you are iron deficient. The blood tests are simple. At a minimum, you should have your ferritin checked. If you are iron deficient, it is critical to find out why and not just take iron replacement.
It is also possible that your bone marrow has a hard time using the iron. This can happen in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders.
It is also possible that your bone marrow has a hard time using the iron. This can happen in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Dr. Jonathan Kaufman - Name: Jonathan Kaufman, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
Thanks for replying, Dr. Kaufman.
They did not do a ferritin test. They did a reticulocyte count, mine was 1.8 (high), but the retic absolute was ok. Norm 20-105, mine 78. My peripheral blood smear states: "minimal anisopoikilocytosis"!!! The nurse called me back and said I am NOT anemic.
But I can take 325 mg of iron supplements a day. Maybe my AVWS and low factor VIII is making me feel anemic?
I guess I will give the iron a go to see if I can perk up a little. Does that sound like the right path?
They did not do a ferritin test. They did a reticulocyte count, mine was 1.8 (high), but the retic absolute was ok. Norm 20-105, mine 78. My peripheral blood smear states: "minimal anisopoikilocytosis"!!! The nurse called me back and said I am NOT anemic.
But I can take 325 mg of iron supplements a day. Maybe my AVWS and low factor VIII is making me feel anemic?
I guess I will give the iron a go to see if I can perk up a little. Does that sound like the right path?
Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
bad blood -
I was just looking at your post again and I wondered if they will try to determine the cause of your iron deficiency? Or have your physicians simply suggested you take an iron supplement?
Hoping you are well.
I was just looking at your post again and I wondered if they will try to determine the cause of your iron deficiency? Or have your physicians simply suggested you take an iron supplement?
Hoping you are well.
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Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
Hi Toni,
Thanks for asking about me. I been taking iron supplements for 5 days. Frankly, I feel worse. Maybe the dosage is too high. I thought I would give it more time before calling anyone about it. I know there are side effects. But I seem to feel worse then before starting on them.
Hope you're doing well. Thanks
Thanks for asking about me. I been taking iron supplements for 5 days. Frankly, I feel worse. Maybe the dosage is too high. I thought I would give it more time before calling anyone about it. I know there are side effects. But I seem to feel worse then before starting on them.
Hope you're doing well. Thanks
Re: BMB shows decreased histiocytic & erythrocyte iron
Bad blood,
I'm sorry to hear you are feeling worse. Unfortunately, it takes a couple of months before iron supplements fully help your body recover from iron deficiency.
A too high dose can certainly make you feel ill. What type of iron are you taking and what is the mg?
Also, iron supplements can be difficult to tolerate sometimes. I switched to ferrous gluconate as it was easier on my stomach. You also need to take iron pills on an empty stomach, although taking iron with orange juice can help your body better absorb the supplement. I believe calcium blocks the absorption of iron, so be sure not to take with milk, etc.
I have no iron stores in my bone marrow, but my ferritin and hemoglobin are in the normal range, ferritin on the low side of normal though. I don't understand why this is as I have no excess bleeding and I eat a good deal of meat and iron rich foods.
However, you have von Willebrand which probably has a significant effect on your iron?
Toni
I'm sorry to hear you are feeling worse. Unfortunately, it takes a couple of months before iron supplements fully help your body recover from iron deficiency.
A too high dose can certainly make you feel ill. What type of iron are you taking and what is the mg?
Also, iron supplements can be difficult to tolerate sometimes. I switched to ferrous gluconate as it was easier on my stomach. You also need to take iron pills on an empty stomach, although taking iron with orange juice can help your body better absorb the supplement. I believe calcium blocks the absorption of iron, so be sure not to take with milk, etc.
I have no iron stores in my bone marrow, but my ferritin and hemoglobin are in the normal range, ferritin on the low side of normal though. I don't understand why this is as I have no excess bleeding and I eat a good deal of meat and iron rich foods.
However, you have von Willebrand which probably has a significant effect on your iron?
Toni
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Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
8 posts
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