Question about Hemoglobin test results
 

I've been feeling very tired lately among other things. Saw my Dr this week about it and she ordered a number of tests. They included, Thyroid Enzyme, Lymes Disease, and a full blood screening for Anemia. The results - Thyroid and Lymes tests came out fine but my hemoglobin was only 11.6 compared to 11.7 and above (don't know the highest number) being the normal range. Also my Platlet count was a bit low. She said the size of my Red blood cells was normal where in Iron Deficient the cells are smalled because they aren't carrying Iron.

Her suggestion was for me to take some Iron suppliments for a week or two and if I wasn't feeling better by then to come back to see her again.

I have been taking 500mg of Naproxin daily for another problem and I know it can irritate the stomach lining. If it caused any stomach ulcers (I have felt irritated stomach sometimes with it.) that were bleeding then that could account for the lower blood count and platlet count. Oh and also my blood pressure has been running about 90 over 63. I'm normall around 110 over 72. I dont' have to take the naproxin except to help prevent clutser headaches and Migranes but I have Maxalt to stop the migranes IF the do catch up with me.

My question is this - Would it be a good idea to stop the Naproxin? At least until I started to feel better? Any other input or experiences about this would be appreciated.

Thanks

talk with the doc. s/he'll know best. since we don't really know your medical history (and aren't doctors) beyond what you've told us, our advice is probably not the best you could get. don't stop taking it until you've talked with the doc.

Mael said it best. Even a doctor on the site won't know your medical history like your own doctor does. Talk with your doc and follow his/her instructions.

Thanks guys. I usually do ask her but she was leaving after she talked to me today and was going to be gone on a short vacation. I would have called to ask her but I guess I'll keep taking it.

Any suggestions to help avoid irritating the stomach while I'm still taking it? Any foods that are better to help? Or even Teas?

Spicy foods would be something that you definitely would want to avoid if you are having stomach problems.

If the problem makes you feel nauseous, try eating some crackers or drinking Sprite. That came highly recommended from a few nurses that I know.

in general, spicy foods, acidic stuff like orange juice and pop, things with caffiene (pop and chocolate) and mint are all possible stomach irritants.

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Loss of blood through the stomach from naprosyn would cause an iron deficient anemia, unless it happened very recently. A normocytic anemia(normal size red cells) is usually an anemia of chronic disease, which is from chronic inflammation within the body. If you don't need the naprosyn, don't take it, and maybe the anemia will resolve. But if it doesn't, and you still feel tired, you need to go back for more bloodwork, including a rheumatologic profile(most of these diseases cause inflammation) a sed rate, and c-reactive protein.

Some good advice here - basically, taking the naproxen with food will reduce its effects on your stomach lining, also avoiding spicy foods and alcohol. You might try some indigestion chews (the over-the counter antacids) to help a bit too. However, there could be other causes of the anaemia (including, irritatingly, things that the naproxen may help with).

So overall best to have a word with your doctor (or another who has access to your medical record) as on the board we can only offer 'best guesses' without a lot more information. Hope it improves!

I really don't like taking medication for headaches, but I sometimes do. You are taking Naproxin for mirgranes and that probably isn't good for you long term. Try to take it as little as possible. If you don't have a bad migrane, sleep it off. Sometimes getting more sleep and getting it during the dark of night helps.