Retic Count on Iron Pills

I've read that your retic count goes up when you start iron pills - that your body is pumping up production.

I'm wondering if anyone has had their retic count done after being diagnosed iron deficient and starting on iron pills. I know it takes longer for it to show up in your hemoglobin, but production starts pumping up apparently in 7-10 days.

My retic count after three weeks on iron pills was 7% - I also have hemolytic anemia, but I wonder how much of that increased retic count is due to the iron and how much is the hemolytic anemia.

Re: Retic Count on Iron Pills

[QUOTE=japlopper;4034660]I've read that your retic count goes up when you start iron pills - that your body is pumping up production.

I'm wondering if anyone has had their retic count done after being diagnosed iron deficient and starting on iron pills. I know it takes longer for it to show up in your hemoglobin, but production starts pumping up apparently in 7-10 days.

My retic count after three weeks on iron pills was 7% - I also have hemolytic anemia, but I wonder how much of that increased retic count is due to the iron and how much is the hemolytic anemia.[/QUOTE]

Hello Jill!?! :wave:

Good question. (AIHA) Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and a Retic Count greater than >2% can be contributed to many causes. In your case it could be several contributing to your higher values.

Things that can alter the (ARC) are as follows: Anemia Supplementation (or IV Iron), Folate, Iron and Vit-B 12 supplementation. This is a typical response to iron in the presence of anemia as you know.

I can share my retic count with you. I had an 8.5 hgb and began oral iron therapy; however, my retic was not done by my Hematologist until the 3 month mark. At this time my Retic Count was 2.8 % with a range of % 0.6-2.8. So, I was at the top of the charts. You are well over this point. I am thinking the only thing for you to do is have a repeat ARC test and compare notes. Anything over your range may be related to your AIHA. Do you also supplement with B-12? Very interesting.

Take care. FLFG :)