system
Low RBC count. Fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, depression. Taking intravenous iron treatment. Help?
human
My father is currently 55 years old and suffering from extremely low RBC/iron counts. He has had intravenous iron treatment twice a week for the past four weeks and his numbers continue to drop. His WBC is normal and lymph nodes feel normal upon examination. Along with this he is suffering from fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, low grade fevers at night, as well as depression. HIs doctors are slowly using the process of elimination to figure out what is going on but any suggestions as to what to test for next would be greatly appreciated!
gpt
Depression, when is coexistent with such medical illness, is, really difficult to diagnose. Because symptoms of low RBC etc and symptoms of depression are commonBut, if your father has :depressive cognitions" or your physician says that his reporting symptoms are in disproportionately excessive to the level of iron / lo RBC, then depression can be a possibilityIn such cases seeking a psychiatrist consultation and starting an antidepressant should help. But remember, some antidepressants have side effect of lowering the blood cell counts. Discuss all these issues wit your physician and psychiatrist before taking a decission Wish your father a speedy recovery