Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: mythal on November 20, 2008, 04:17:32 AM

Title: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: mythal on November 20, 2008, 04:17:32 AM

Hello everyone..I am new here and glad that you guys are here that I can finally ask questions to someone.I never knew that I had an issue related to Thal..until my pregnancy...they wanted to test my husband and I when we told my doc. where we came from..but they didn't let us know with any answer,so as usual in North America, we thought that no answer is a good answer..when my baby was 6 months old, her doc. wanted to go for a full blood test b/c she wasn't gaining enough weight..and he found that she has Thal minor..he said that there is nothing to be concerned so she can have a normal life, except to get checked with her mate before marriage..but I started considering because after I did a little research ,I found out that I do experience some symptomps my own which made me feel tired,depressed with faster heart rate when resting or getting too tired with less energy all my life and more than ever lately..I am 36 now and want a second child..I don't know what supplements I should use,b/c I don't have a detailed test results..I don't know what is exactly my husband's results either, because his test says "no further testing necessary" which I don't know what does that really mean?That was done for my pregnancy and after that he didn't get tested.If we want to get tested, which tests should we have to get?What are the test names for a detailed blood check?Also, how can I know that my daughter's level of Thal?She didn't get checked further either and she is a Thal minor.She is 2..loosing some hair,is always petit and under weight,but very active and strong child..I feel so guilty which I know I shouldn't feel that way but cannot help it..I don't know if I got it from my mom or dad either which I want to find out by them to get tested..results might be useful for my cousin who just got married 3 yrs ago and want to have kids..thanks for any help..

Title: Re: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: Zaini on November 20, 2008, 10:30:12 AM

Hi Mythal,

Welcome on the forum,

Hb electrophoresis is the test to check the status of thal and if you want to get all blood counts check,you'll have to ask for a CBC (Complete blood count).

Zaini.

Title: Re: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: nice friend on November 20, 2008, 12:19:55 PM

Hi Mythal ,
 :welcome to the Family ...
its realy nice to see you posting , Keep in-touch and dont hesitate to ask anything or share anything ...

:welcomewagon    :welcomewagon    :welcomewagon  :welcomewagon

Best Regards
Take Care
Umair

Title: Re: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: mythal on November 21, 2008, 03:26:39 AM

Thank you Zaini and nice friend..I will make sure that everyone in the family will get tested,and for my daughter I will ask her doc. to send her to detailed test as he mentioned before,b/c we already know that she is a minor..Is there such thing as being minor and also being a minor carrier or are they both same?

Title: Re: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: mythal on November 21, 2008, 04:23:20 AM

By the way what is a healthy and normal Hb level for a normal person with no Thal??
Thanks again to all...you guys are so great..

Title: Re: what should I do as a next step???
Post by: Andy Battaglia on November 21, 2008, 04:27:05 AM

From http://www.medicinenet.com/hemoglobin/article.htm

Quote

What are normal hemoglobin values?

The hemoglobin level is expressed as the amount of hemoglobin in grams (gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood, a deciliter being 100 milliliters.

The normal ranges for hemoglobin depend on the age and, beginning in adolescence, the sex of the person. The normal ranges are:

    * Newborns: 17-22 gm/dl
    * One (1) week of age: 15-20 gm/dl
    * One (1) month of age: 11-15gm/dl
    * Children: 11-13 gm/dl
    * Adult males: 14-18 gm/dl
    * Adult women: 12-16 gm/dl
    * Men after middle age: 12.4-14.9 gm/dl
    * Women after middle age: 11.7-13.8 gm/dl

All of these values may vary slightly between laboratories. Some laboratories do not differentiate between adult and "after middle age" hemoglobin values.