Hi doctor, I have been a vegetarian for over two years, and a vegan for about three months. I had my bloodwork done this past week, and the numbers were confusing. I have had anemia in the past, and it was thought to be due to my ulcer, which I take over the counter medicine (which I was told now to make absorption difficult). I stopped being anemic about four years ago, but these numbers look like I am there again. But my B12, which is what I was actually most concerned about has been having symptoms of deficiencies, but my number was 1353, way above the highest end of the spectrum. So I am all over the place, and my regular doctor is out on medical leave. Thought I should have some information before I talk to a stranger. He has already recommended stopping being vegan. I reminded him I also had gastric bypass surgery 15 years ago, so that combined with an ulcer, anti-ulcer medicines, vegan and surgery seem to be culprits, but I need direction. Oh, since becoming vegetarian, then vegan, I have gained almost 50 lbs, not good. I do not see an upload option, so I will just write some of the numbers. B12 1253, folate 33.1. iron and TIBC 36 and 453, transferrin saturation 8 %, hematocrit 34, hemoglobin 10.3, ferritin 5 ng.
Hello. I have reviewed your query and below is my advice. The peptic ulcer can lead to minor bleeding in the intestinal tract and so anemia can develop due to it. For ulcer healing, Rabeprazole like antacid can be prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks. Stool routine micro examination and occult blood test are done to rule out parasitic infestation and minor bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Your CBC and iron profile are suggestive towards iron deficiency for which Orofer XT like Ferrous ascorbate containing medication can be prescribed for two to three months. For high B12 level, you can investigate further with SGOT, SGPT, urea, creatinine estimation to rule out liver and kidney disease. In these diseases, excretion of B12 is affected and so level can be high. The other cause for high B12 is a myeloproliferative neoplasm. For that, you can investigate with full CBC and peripheral smear examination report to check if any abnormal cells are present or not. In this portal, you can always upload report while asking the question. Hope this will help you while you consult the doctor. I would be happy to help you further whenever needed. Best regards.