Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: Berlian on March 07, 2013, 12:41:15 PM
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Hello Andy. Today I was
diagnosed by a doctor to have
thalassemia minor. I also feel
mild anemia though. But to be
honest, although since
childhood I have did reveal minor
symptoms such as frequent sick,
emaciated, tired easily during exercise,
and dark circles under the eyes,
but I've never experienced
anemia before. I've been anemic only this
time. Honestly before this, my
diet accompanied by exercise too
hard for 6 months and resulted
in my weight fell 7.5 kg. Is the
cause of my anemia is iron
deficiency due to diet and
exercise extreme? Because
despite all of the data indicates
thalassemia minor (RBC 7.03 HGB 14.4
HCT 44.4 MCV 62.6 MCH 20.5)
but my RDW high and indicate
iron deficiency. RDW 19.2.
Thank
you.
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Your Hb is good. It does not indicate an anemia, although thal minor does appear to be present. With an Hb over 14, iron deficiency is unlikely, but it can be checked with a group of blood tests called an iron panel. The RDW is high, but your HB isn't low, so I doubt iron can help. I would suggest that you concentrate on getting more antioxidants in your diet, and that you take natural vitamin E daily, as it is a strong antioxidant. Even though your Hb is normal, you do have some red blood cells produced due to the thal minor, that are not normal size and shape. Your body will remove these cells but the process does cause oxidation, so antioxidants are made more necessary.