Haematology

Blood test 08.00, haematology appointment 10.00, saw the consultant 10.50.

Blood results last 9 readings
	21.10	5.10	18.09	10.09	3.07	17.06	9.06	27.05	25.03	Normal
Hb	107	95	106	81	104	107	93	96	98	130-180
WBC	1.8	1.95	2.53	2.39	2.85	2.85	2.55	2.91	3.15	4.5-10.0
N'phils	0.8	0.87	1.05	1.02	1.16	1.17	1.14	1.3	1.57	2.0-7.5
Plt	202	225	2.41	2.41	249	232	296	342	369	150-450

As platelets were down slightly it was thought safe to reduce hydroxycarbamide from 3 times a week to twice a week. With luck this could prevent or slow down fall in Hb, and delay the need for transfusions. At my suggestion the registrar agreed to call for a serum ferritin test at the next consultation in four weeks' time. This will monitor the cumulative build-up of iron in the heart, liver etc as a result of transfusions. A reading of more than 1,000 mcg/L may indicate iron overload, though I don't think I'm anywhere near that threshold so far. He also agreed to write to the vascular consultant about the continuing problem of the ulcer on my right ankle, which Lindsay says I'm not to show again on his blog. White blood cells are low, meaning the immune system is not too good.