High iron levels... - Page 3

Scott Kustes · 11-02-2007, 06:34 AM

How do they get your number? At my blood bank, they just drop my blood into a solution to see if it sinks. I'd like to know what my iron level is as that's my main reason for donating.

Garrett Smith · 11-02-2007, 06:43 AM

Scott,
The Red Cross location I go to has the machine. I believe American Blood Services (?) does the "how fast does a drop of blood sink" test.

You aren't going for the free STD tests???

Scott Kustes · 11-02-2007, 08:30 AM

Damn you and telling everyone my secrets!

I go to a Red Cross and they do the sinking blood test. I'll ask if there's any way to find out my reading.

Chris Forbis · 11-17-2007, 05:28 AM

Eight days after I last tried to donate (1 Nov) and my hemoglobin was too high (18.3) I went back. I was fasted and ridiculously hydrated and my hemoglobin came in just under (17.9). Jackpot.

The doctor's office called me in for the genetic test results for hemochromatosis. Turns out I have a genetic mutation for it. I only have one of the genes, and generally it takes a few others, though sometimes one alone is sufficient to cause it (says the Doctor). He advised me to donate blood regularly and check back in a year to get my iron levels tested again. Being genetic, he also said it is something to remember for when I start having kids.

Iron, total: 134
Iron binding capacity: 306
% saturation: 44

Garrett Smith · 11-17-2007, 07:32 AM

Chris,
There may be some pearls from functional medicine that you can utilize in your situation.

Their website is www.functionalmedicine.org, you can find the book on http://www.amazon.com/Textbook-Funct.../dp/0977371301 . The big functional medicine seminar (6 days!) is what I want to go to next--dang thing costs $3000+!!!

I'd suggest you look for a practitioner on the IFM website and/or get that book to try to help yourself. Wish I could help more, I still need to get that book.

Scott Kustes · 12-26-2007, 06:00 PM

Ok, so I asked for my iron level today....she told me my hematocrit was 44, which is good according to her. What's that mean?

Garrett Smith · 12-27-2007, 06:16 AM

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/...rticlekey=3680

Scott Kustes · 12-28-2007, 08:27 AM

And what exactly does that have to do with my iron? I'm thinking nothing.

Garrett Smith · 12-28-2007, 09:20 AM

If one had an iron-deficiency anemia, they would tend toward a low hematocrit. Yours is just fine.

There are more specific tests (ie. ferritin and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC) to look more closely at your blood's functional iron status.

Knowing generally what you eat, I'd say your iron levels are just peachy.

Scott Kustes · 12-28-2007, 03:03 PM

Cool...thanks!