What medically is going on with DS1

[sariana]

My kids and I all have varying levels of anemia, none caused by heavy periods. I think I inherited from my dad and then passed it on to my kids.

But I also wonder if there’s a random virus going around because I had similar symptoms last weekend for no apparent reason. I got dizzy every time I stood up, more than usual.

[hbridge]

Some ideas to pass by the medical professionals:

- Random Virus or Covid (always a possibility)
- Mono
- Vasal Vagel Synchope
- Lyme (or tick born/mosquito born something)
- Allergies (DO NOT let them talk you out of this one. DC has a serious allergy that took 9 months to figure out. The medical professionals had dismissed it as a possibility. I finally mapped out every incident and we figured it out.)
- Autoimmune issues
- Blood sugar issues
- Celiac


Good luck. Having a DC with recurring medical issues that no one can ever figure out (we are in the middle of two more right now, thankfully we have amazing specialists), it is SO HARD!!!!

[cheme]

Your description of jaundice reminded me made me think of the recent outbreak of hepatitis cases being investigated in kids.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/06/healt...ate/index.html

Good luck figuring it out!

[icunurse]

Hemoglobin of 8 is pretty low. As in, with a symptomatic patient (which your son is), we would transfuse in the hospital.

It sounds like you are on top of things. Besides a random blood issue, consider anemia or GI bleeding (could be red, could be black). I would push to have him seen in a timely manner.

[MSWR0319]

Hemoglobin of 8 is pretty low. As in, with a symptomatic patient (which your son is), we would transfuse in the hospital.

It sounds like you are on top of things. Besides a random blood issue, consider anemia or GI bleeding (could be red, could be black). I would push to have him seen in a timely manner.

OP I think a hemoglobin that low definitely explains symptoms. I hemorrhaged a week postpartum and at that point my hemoglobin was around 13 I think. They didn't transfuse and told me just to take iron. I started having similar symptoms to your son. Very pale, dizzy, low energy very soon after that. Within four days I had no energy and was literally crawling to the bathroom and sitting on the shower floor. I took DS in for his 2 week checkup and they immediately called the OB down the hall (not mine) who sent me directly to the hospital for a transfusion. My hemoglobin at that point was 11. I can't imagine how he feels if it's 8. Of course my body was also trying to feed another human but still. He can't feel good at all. I hope het gets feeling better soon!

[hillview]

Thanks all he has been admitted. We are re doing blood work for the 3rd time in 2 days. Waiting to see the doctor. His bloods are all a mess. If anyone has any useful insights much appreciated.
WBC 4.7 (normal)
RBC 2.32 (normal is 4.3-5.29)
HGB 7.9 (normal is 11-14.9)
Ferritin is 448 (normal is 11-172)
Iron is 190 (normal is 31-168)

Other out of whack things:
HCT % 25.4 (normal is 33.9-43.5)
MCV 110 (normal 77-89)
MCHC 31.1 (normal 31.8-34.8)
RDW 12.3 (normal 12.4-14.5)
Platelet 175 (lowest end of normal)

Reticulocytes
Immature Retic Fraction 30% (normal is 9-18.7)
Retic Hgb is 36 in normal range
Reticulocyte percent 14.6 (normal is .9-1.49)
Retic Ct Abs .3394 (normal is .0416-.065)

[twowhat?]

Not an MD, but hemolytic anemia? The low RBC and high reticulocytes would suggest this. Consider pushing for referral to hematologist.

[ArizonaGirl]

Nothing to add but

[carolinamama]

Thank you all. Doctor called at 9 pm last night, DS1 has a hemoglobin count of 8 and has large cells (?). He is getting more tests done today and being referred to a hematologist. I have a history of anemia however we believe it is due to my very heavy periods — no other causes has been identified. DS of course does not have this …. Hoping for more answers soon. Thank you all for your feedback I will also look into some of these.

Sounds like you are on the right course with your doctor and specialists. Sending positive thoughts for your DS. Hope he feels better soon!

[JustMe]

Sending hugs and PTs to your son.