Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help

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What's the normal HB rate for a Thal Intermedia? The last we went to the doctor (a month ago), his HB levels were at about an 8 the doctor told us...is that normal???? Thanks for all of you who respond.

This is for my husband. He's 24, and had his spleen taken out when he was about 19, since then he's been good, and hasn't needed transfusions. Any responses that would help, I'd greatly appreciate it as I'm still new to understanding everything about Thalassemia. =)

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Offline Andy Battaglia

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Re: Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2009, 03:46:18 AM »
The normal range for a non-transfusing intermedia is around 6.5-8.5, so his range is normal. L-carnitine supplements are highly recommended for non-transfusing intermedias.
Andy

All we are saying is give thals a chance.

Re: Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2009, 04:53:49 AM »
The normal range for a non-transfusing intermedia is around 6.5-8.5, so his range is normal. L-carnitine supplements are highly recommended for non-transfusing intermedias.

Thank you Andy, I appreciate your help so much. Can you tell me what L-carnitine supplements are? Or give me an example? the only supplements he's taking right now are 600 mg of Calcium and 400 IU of Vitamin D, he's also on Penicillin and 1 Mg of Folic Acid everyday....????

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Offline Andy Battaglia

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Re: Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2009, 06:34:17 AM »
One of the most common problems found in non-transfusing thalassemia intermedias is Pulmonary Hypertension (PHT or PAH), high blood pressure in the artery between the heart and lungs. About 60% of non-transfusing intermedias get PHT as they age, and apparently it is more common in those who've had splenectomy. PHT can eventually lead to heart failure if not treated, but treatment is available today with Sildenafil (viagra). Depletion of nitric acid in the walls of the arteries is at the root of PHT, so nitric oxide promoters like L-carntine and foods like watermelon are highly recommended as preventative measures. L-carnitine is a natural supplement and can be found from many online vitamin sellers. In some countries, a prescription is needed. It is readily available in the US.

For some previous threads on L-carnitine, see
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=2184.msg18943#msg18943
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=892.msg6728#msg6728
Andy

All we are saying is give thals a chance.

Re: Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2009, 03:50:34 AM »
One of the most common problems found in non-transfusing thalassemia intermedias is Pulmonary Hypertension (PHT or PAH), high blood pressure in the artery between the heart and lungs. About 60% of non-transfusing intermedias get PHT as they age, and apparently it is more common in those who've had splenectomy. PHT can eventually lead to heart failure if not treated, but treatment is available today with Sildenafil (viagra). Depletion of nitric acid in the walls of the arteries is at the root of PHT, so nitric oxide promoters like L-carntine and foods like watermelon are highly recommended as preventative measures. L-carnitine is a natural supplement and can be found from many online vitamin sellers. In some countries, a prescription is needed. It is readily available in the US.

For some previous threads on L-carnitine, see
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=2184.msg18943#msg18943
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=892.msg6728#msg6728


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Thank you Andy, I appreciate it so much. I just have a few more questions.  Do you know if there any side effects with this? Is this kind of just a vitamin in a way for everyone to take? I read a little about this....and I went out and just bought it. I bought 30 tablets at 500 mg each. On the bottle it basically says that it's a dietary supplement....is that really what it just is? Won't this make the person lose weight? My husband actually needs to gain weight...he's 5'9 and weighs about 127r?...Do you know anything about that?

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Offline Andy Battaglia

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Re: Normal HB Level for a Thal Inter? Thank you for those who help
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2009, 07:12:25 AM »
L-carnitine is a natural supplement and is already found in the body. It's value in burning fat in overweight people is of great dispute, but this would not apply to someone who didn't have excess fat even if it does aid in dieting. Of course, this claim does help sales to dieters. However, some countries only allow its use by prescription because these diet claims are not proven, so the attitude is they won't allow it to be sold because they see it as taking advantage of people trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, this deprives people who want to use it for reasons that have been proven, such as an ability to promote nitric oxide levels in the blood which helps keep blood vessels functioning properly. I won't say that L-carntine is something everyone should take but people in a chronic low oxygen state (any anemia) can benefit from its use.
Andy

All we are saying is give thals a chance.

 

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