LymeNet Flash: Macrocytosis????

This is topic Macrocytosis???? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :

Just got a note from LLMD's office with an order for a blood draw...Dx: Macrocytosis.

Have been retreated for babs for 3 months recently, and another tick bite has given me HME which I am being treated for now.

I am curious to know what tick born disease this condition is found with...anyone know?
Am on Doryx and Malarone presently.

Feel lousy. Hate ticks. Want all this to be over with! venting.....

Thankx, Nan

Posted by janet thomas (Member # 7122) on :

Nan- Don't worry too much-Macrocytosis just means your red blood cells are a little bigger than normal. Very non specific. Do a google search and I bet you'll find lots of conditions that have macrocytosis associated with them. Your next CBC may be normal. Step by step. Day by day.

Janet

Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :

Thanks, Janet. I freak out rather easily these days. I did look it up before I posted. Lots of rather confusing info.

Just thought perhaps others had experienced this in connection with lyme or coinfections. I could not find any reference that tied these things together.

nan

Posted by Hagen (Member # 948) on :

Hi Nan

I have had the same diagnosis of MCV for about 20 years. I have had countless doctors freak out because this is an indication of a possible B-12 and Folic Acid deficiency and a preamble to Preniscuious (sp) Anemia. If you have this diagnosis it is safest to have the B-12 levels and the folic acid levels checked. If they are off - B-12 injections are necessary.
I have had normal levels even with the MCV Diagnosis and now my doctors (at least the older ones) just look at the numbers and know. I usually get one every couple of years that has me retest just to make sure. So - it's O.K. to have big red blood cells, but please check out the B-12 and folic acid level just to make sure.
Nothing to do with Lyme that I know of - and I've had Lyme for 9 years now.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I think it CAN be associated with Babs. Not saying it IS, but it can be.

Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :

Thanks for the reassuring words...

Lymetoo...it makes a difference how you word your googles...when I asked for "babesiosis and macrocytosis"...sure enough..there it was. Mind you the articles were referring to animals with babs and the resulting macrocytosis. Maybe we should be seeking medical help from veterinarians?

Hagen...the rx for the blood draw does say B12 and Folate, MMA, HC. I have been tested monthly for years, and this is the first time it has shown up. After 11 years of this, I get easily frustrated. Appreciate your reassurance.

Thanks again.