[KevinB]

Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by KevinB on Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:40 am

Hi all,

I am an extremely worried son! My mum has recently had a routine blood test check up (she has type 2 diabetes) here in the UK. Everything was fine.

However, our doctor was concerned as she had developed mild anemia and had an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) / sed rate of almost 100! He suspected multiple myeloma, however noted she was extremely well. My mum is, in fact, extremely well, with absolutely no pain, fever, tiredness or general feelings of being unwell.

We are awaiting blood and urine results. However, I am so nervous, having committed the sin of googling everything under the sun.

My question therefore is: Does a highly elevated ESR / sed rate + anemia necessarily point to multiple myeloma?

Appreciate any comments. Have a hellish 7-day wait and am looking to this forum for some sort of comfort.

Many thanks

[Dr. James Hoffman]

Re: Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by Dr. James Hoffman on Tue Sep 23, 2014 10:41 am

When you say the doctor suspects myeloma, there may be more to the story, as there are subtle laboratory findings that can suggest this diagnosis.

That said, an elevated ESR and anemia does not mean multiple myeloma is the diagnosis. In fact, most problems that can cause a high ESR (e.g., inflammatory disorders, infections, etc) also can cause anemia. This is referred to as 'anemia of chronic disease,' but perhaps is better called 'anemia of inflammation'.

Unfortunately, no amount of speculation will remove the anxiety until the results are in.

If this forum can help any further once you have clarity, that's why it is here. Hoping for the best with you.

[Terrij]

Re: Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by Terrij on Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:25 pm

I have been diabetic since I was 14. That is 46 years now. I have been anemic for about 15 years. It stays stable and I have had many tests resulting in what they are calling anemia of chronic disease. Since my daughter has multiple myeloma, there were many more things that showed up in her blood tests than just anemia.

Good luck. The waiting for results is unbearable.

[Wayne K]

Re: Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by Wayne K on Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:05 pm

Kevin, I might point out that most of us on here have multiple myeloma and have had it for years. It isn't something you want, but it isn't necessarily an immediate disability either.

[KevinB]

Re: Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by KevinB on Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:10 pm

Thank you all for your responses and best wishes. I would like to ask another question if I may. Dr Hoffman stated that an elevated ESR could be due to infection or inflammatory disorders. However, wouldn't there be some sort of symptoms present, i.e. pain, discomfort, etc?

Thank you

[Random]

Re: Extremely worried - mum has mild anemia, high ESR

by Random on Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:12 am

Hi Kevin,

What were the results? How is your mom?