" My friend said you will help me. i would be really grateful if you could give
me an explanation. I'm sending you the picture of my blood test.
ok. as seen in the test, my number of leucocites is high (all doctors here say
that but none of them gives me an explanation why it is so high). So I would
like to know any reason for that. Furthermore I look always pale, I've been two
years ago anemic, I am weak( I mean not drastically but still comparing to how
I have been it is obvious i've lost weight) and I have really big pimples under
my armpits which cause me pain and this pimples have appeared firstly one year
ago. But i really have many. I did an eco of them but they told me that it is
nothing serious,but i thing this can be rel;ated to the high number of
leucocites,as long as these pimples are infected. ahah yes,sorry for such a long msg." (Bryana, Albania)
Dear Bryana,
After you sent
your blood test paperwork, I am glad we had a chance to visit allowing you to ask
all your questions. Your blood results
due indeed reflect ongoing anemia. Since
you said "no, never had" blood in your urine, stool, or orally, the
immediate explanation for your low
hematocrit and red blood cell (rbc) levels is confirmation that
"yes I do" have periods. Even
at age 14, you lose much blood in the menstrual cycles, a rationalization for
why " I look always pale, I've been two years ago anemic, I am
weak." Blood carries oxygen, and
oxygen is needed for all organs in the body to survive. When you have a cycle, you lose blood,
therefore, you lose oxygen, and the pale complexion along with feeling weak and
tired results. What can you do? Eat foods high in iron and folate and consult
with your doctor about taking iron supplements if diet changes do not bring
your rbc and hematocrit levels back to normal.
Red blood cells carry iron, iron
binds the oxygen, and as mentioned, oxygen gives your body energy to survive. Thus, as I am sure you can now understand, during
a cycle , you lose not only red blood cells, you lose iron also.
With regards to
your question, " my number of leucocites is high" and "So I
would like to know any reason for that."
Actually, Bryana, according to your blood results, your lymphocyte count
is LOW, not high. Lymphocytes are a type
of white blood cell (leucocyte), and white blood cells are the "good
guys" in the body that fight infection.
When your lymphocyte count (LYM% on paperwork) is low, the most likely
explanation is your immune system needs a boost. When your immune system is under performing,
you are at slightly increased risk for infections, especially viral. Thus, to boost your immune system, eating and
exercising are two factors, in your control, to boost overall health. Eating healthy foods is by far the easiest
way to boost the immune system. Take vitamins,
do not smoke, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, eat whole grains, and eat
foods low in saturated fat. In addition,
exercise regularly, to maintain a healthy weight.
With regards to your question, "what kind or
amount of blood should I consume? I mean
I have hears them say that there are different kinds of iron." You asked a good question. Actually, you would not consume blood as a
means to obtain dietary iron; instead, you should consume lean cuts of meat
(chicken, turkey, beef) to try to regain the daily recommended amounts of iron
your body requires to optimally function.
If the diet changes do not increase iron, talk to your doctor about iron
supplement tablets. Also remember to
wash your hands frequently to help prevent infections from entering your body.
You are a very
intelligent young lady, and I am humbled by your questions and trust. Please stay in touch, and if other people in
Albania have health questions, please feel free to reference them to me. God Bless you and God Bless Albania.
Respectfully,
Dr. Roshin
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