Bizarre lab results

[Bumpygooch]

Got labs done yesterday in preparation for labs for life insurance next week. Donated blood last week to make sure HCT, RBC and HGB were in range. Labs came back HGB in range, HCT and RBC high(52.1 and 6,53, respectively). Even stranger, MCV, MCH and MCHC all just out of range on the low side. So, I know if I do another donation, I can likely get the RBC and HCT levels in the reference range, however, I think I’ll pummel the others into a range that might scare underwriters into thinking I’m anemic. Would slamming iron supplements for a couple days with donating on Wednesday(labs scheduled for Thursday) make a difference? Anyone know if they even test for those obscure blood markers? Considering pushing the labs back a week. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Fattyone]

Hydration makes a huge difference. @PaintDrinker actually just did an experiment a day apart showing how important hydration is.

 

[buck]

What have you been doing that caused such values?

 

[Bumpygooch]

What have you been doing that caused such values?

TRT @200mg/week, donated last week. Been to a hematologist, no underlying issues, but, I’m not sure that will matter to underwriters.

 

[Bumpygooch]

Hydration makes a huge difference. @PaintDrinker actually just did an experiment a day apart showing how important hydration is.

Drank 2 liters of water before the draw. Bought some LMNT type hydration shit, I’ll down a half gallon of that Thursday before next labs. It’s not even the HCT and RBC that concern me as far as life insurance labs go, it’s the clinical anemia(on paper). So, I’m going to hydrate, naturally, as well as megadose some IP6 and nattokinase(neither of which have worked for me previously), and take some methyl folate, B12, vitamin c and eat a bunch of spinach. I think donating would be a poor idea, those 4 numbers(RDW high as well), indicate anemia, however, with high HCT and RBC, it’s kind of ruled out. If I crush those numbers further and decrease HCT and RBC, it’s further evidence of actual anemia.

 

[buck]

TRT @200mg/week, donated last week. Been to a hematologist, no underlying issues, but, I’m not sure that will matter to underwriters.

Splitting your dose may help. Many find it gives them better blood work.

 

[Bumpygooch]

Splitting your dose may help. Many find it gives them better blood work.

I do. Like I said, I’m more concerned about the clinical anemia for the reasons stated.

 

[Fattyone]

I have constant fatigue and always thought it was due to a blood issue. Took me for ever to finally get to a blood specialist, like well over a year. Only for him to say, “meh, nothing we can do and I don’t see anything worth treating”

Are these similar to yours? I’ve been anemic for years and no suppliments ever helped.

 

[Bumpygooch]

I have constant fatigue and always thought it was due to a blood issue. Took me for ever to finally get to a blood specialist, like well over a year. Only for him to say, “meh, nothing we can do and I don’t see anything wrong”.

Are these similar to yours? I’ve been anemic for years and no suppliments ever helped.

Aside from my HCT being 52, yes, similar. Im
50, these numbers have always been in range until these labs yesterday. I’m reading habitual donating may do this. Also, you may want to look into thalassemia.

 

[Fattyone]

Aside from my HCT being 52, yes, similar. Im
50, these numbers have always been in range until these labs yesterday. I’m reading habitual donating may do this. Also, you may want to look into thalassemia.

I’m 31 and have only donated one time just trying to be a good human. I’ll check out your recommendation.

 

[Bumpygooch]

I’m 31 and have only donated one time just trying to be a good human. I’ll check out your recommendation.

If you’ve not donated a lot, then it wouldn’t have played a role. It’s one angle I have to consider. New labs Thursday, will post updates.

 

[Deezznutzz]

If you’ve not donated a lot, then it wouldn’t have played a role. It’s one angle I have to consider. New labs Thursday, will post updates.

Any updates? Most my labs come back the same. I always donate 4 to 7 times a year to keep hematocrit down. Sometimes doing two double reds during a 16 week cycle. I was thinking that's throwing mine off two but less then 1 point.

 

[99people99]

I have constant fatigue and always thought it was due to a blood issue. Took me for ever to finally get to a blood specialist, like well over a year. Only for him to say, “meh, nothing we can do and I don’t see anything worth treating”

Are these similar to yours? I’ve been anemic for years and no suppliments ever helped.

I have had the same thing my whole life. You most likely have a genetic form of anemia. I have thalassemia beta minor. You should get tested for thalassemia major & minor. It is important to know if you have it because if you have children with a person who also has the trait your children will most likely die at a young age.

 

[Fattyone]

I have had the same thing my whole life. You most likely have a genetic form of anemia. I have thalassemia beta minor. You should get tested for thalassemia major & minor. It is important to know if you have it because if you have children with a person who also has the trait your children will most likely die at a young age.

I do have it. The one that doesn’t require transfusions and the doctors don’t care about lol

 

[99people99]

I do have it. The one that doesn’t require transfusions and the doctors don’t care about lol

Lol yep, they never care. I do not think there is a way to "cure" anemia from thalassemia minor. It is something we have to live with unfortunately.