Question:
Normal Labs and anemia?

I am 3 yrs post op and have had great difficulty in finding an good PCP and dermatologist (WLS is 6 hrs away). At any rate, I have had consistent Lab checks and my values have been progressively falling but are all with the exception of a very mildly low hematocrit (30.9). I have had several rounds of massive hair loss in patches (alopecia). I have increased my protein and began taking sublingual B12. This seemed to help but after about a month, the hair loss began again. I have had 4 rounds of this now and am completely perplexed. I have done extensive research and am still puzzled. I have the classic B12 anemia symptoms to a T despite the normal serum level. Does anyone know if it is possible to lack intrinsic factor despite or to be functionally B12/folate or iron deficient despite normal labs? My last CBC showed an elevated folate level of 724 (normal high end range 17.0) up from 20.1 five months earlier. THis was without increasing folate supplementation. I have had hypothryoidism for the last 10 years and continue to take synthroid for it. My last TSH was .5 (.4 low end of normal) and my T3 was .69 (low normal end .70). I know that a low TSH indicates TOO much thryoid but a low T3 is indicative of too little thyroid. Dematologist says alopecia areata - cause unknown and prescribed cortisone ointment. This was used in connection w/ sublingual B12 and increase in protein. Again, it seemed to temporarily help but then the cycles began again. I don't have much hair left and any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Rene    — Rene M. (posted on November 7, 2003)

November 7, 2003
What do you mean by normal B12 levels? Just inside normal or do you mean Really Nice levels, like 800? What kind of iron are you taking? Dry form E? Protein supplement? I'm wondering if we should maybe talk off the group and see what all you're doing, been doing, tried and see if anything is obvious? Sometimes we can feel bad before the levels are out of range "on paper". The paper level might not be YOUR level, know what I mean? Did you keep copies of your labs since pre-op? Sounds like, but wondering where you started, too. Glad they're following your thyroid closely. I don't know much about thyroid, except it can surely wreak havoc in your world.
   — vitalady