It was the placebo effect
Posted on Wed June 02, 2010
Views: 177
Just got the results of my bone marrow biopsy, and while nothing seems to have
changed MCL wise, the report did indicate “Stainable iron is present” in the
marrow.
Despite the amount of stainable iron not being quantified,
and my having started taking an iron supplement prior to the biopsy, there are
other indicators (MCV having always been in the normal range for one, and a
slight decrease in my hemoglobin on my last blood test for another) which would
lead even a layman, such as myself, to conclude I am not iron deficient.
So it's back to the drawing board, and the realization that if I was
stronger on the bike, as I originally thought, it was either because I was
training more and with greater intensity, or the more likely scenario, after
considering today's ride, it was all just the "placebo effect" [of
taking an iron supplement], and I have not gotten any stronger at all.
Oh well, at least I can stop going through all the gyrations I concluded
were necessary to insure I was absorbing the maximum amount of iron [I stopped
taking it about a week ago], and I can put the colonoscopy on the back burner
for now [which is also a great relief].
But to be sure there is
still not some other underlying [maybe more sinister] reason for my low
hemoglobin, other than my MCL, I have been told, by my resident expert, I should
"check multiple stools for blood ……….. weekly for maybe 6
months or so."
Now that sure sounds like a lot of fun.
About me
62 / Male
Member since Aug 2009
Profile Views: 1130
Journal Views: 7998
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About Me: I am a mantle cell lymphoma survivor, and to be so bold as to quote a line from another blogger “it may kill me.” Actually it is killing me, albeit very slowly at this point, but so far I am still able to function mostly as normal, going to work, riding my bike, playing golf and even planning for vacations, and of course posting here, and to my personal blog at http://livingwithmcl.com
Location: Long Beach, CA
Interests: Cycling, wine and golfing, in that order
Medical Conditions: Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Health Interests: Cancer, Dental Health, Insurance
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LazySusan says:
on June 05, 2010 at 06:51 PM
hmm checking multiple stools of blood weekly for 6+ months? That doesn't sound fun at all.... but I'm sure it isn't fun for the technician analyzing your samples either. But I guess we all have to endure moments of humility in the name of science and/or our health!
Marc says:
on June 05, 2010 at 09:34 PM
Actually you can order the test kits online, and check it yourself.
http://www.medexsupply.com/diagnostic-tests-blood-fecal-occult-tests- beckman-coulter-hemoccult-sensa-single-slides-100-bx-x_pid-706.html
That makes it even more fun! :)
smilelots says:
on June 06, 2010 at 06:15 PM
I've had to collect my stool for several tests and it is a pretty bad experience. You initially have to get over the fact that you need to dig into your stool and suck it up and just do it. This is why I really dread having to see my GI Doc, because she always asks me for some more tests that requires me to collect my fecal matter! I feel ya Marc!