Worried about blood results and symptoms

Hi, I know I’m probably overreacting. Back in October I had really heavy vaginal bleeding for about 10 weeks after not having a period for a while, and so I was put on two of the POP a day and now am on one a day which has stopped the bleeding. My blood results at the time showed low iron/ red cell count, elevated wbc count including elevated neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Since then I’ve been tired all the time despite getting the right amount of sleep, I’ve felt itchy a lot and had headaches more often. Recently I’ve had more joint/ bone pain especially around my knees and neck. I had more blood tests and they show elevated white blood cells again with elevated neutrophils, as well as low mean cell volume and haemoglobin levels and RDW-CV is above high reference limit. I’ve been taking iron supplements with orange juice, eating foods like raisins and other things to try and bring up my iron but it’s still low.

I’m 24 so I know it’s likely to be something else and not cancer, and I’ve got a phone call appt with my gp in a couple weeks, I was just wondering for any advice/ info as it’s been a few months this has been going on and I’m worried/ getting fed up of feeling like this? Thanks

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I’m sorry to read about what has been happening and can appreciate that unexplained symptoms can prey on your mind. 

    I'm afraid we can't say what might be the matter (diagnose). Our standard advice is to talk things over with your GP and be guided by them which I see you’ve already done.

    It sounds like your GP has taken your symptoms seriously as they have done blood tests. If your symptoms persist, all we can really advise you to do is to go back and discuss them again with your GP. They may consider doing further tests over time if this is needed. It's often a process of elimination to find out the cause of someone's symptoms. 

    I hope you know more about your situation soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene