Health Scare - or Hypochondriac ?

**Coinneach** · 9th November 07, 11:44 AM

Self-diagnosis only leads to worry. As others have advised, make an appointment and go see your doctor. If you feel like it, let us know how it comes out. One thing I've noticed about this forum is that we really are here for one another. When you worry, we worry.

Be well.

**hallmarktex** · 9th November 07, 12:46 PM

Alec,

Like you I have always passed every flight physical with "flying" colors.

And, like you, I have gone to donate blood and been rejected because my hemoglobin was too low. I had a good friend you worked in the lab at the local blood bank and what I was told is that the criteria between rejection and acceptance is well on the "safe" side of healthy. If it was seriously low they would have referred you to medical treatment (at least here they do). In fact the margin for error makes it more likely the person doing the test waited too long after sticking your finger before taking the sample. Since that one rejection it has always been acceptable.

If you don't pass several times it would be worth getting checked, but in my opinion (which is worth what you pay for it) a one time rejection is really no big deal.

**Chase** · 9th November 07, 01:08 PM

As a Paramedic, my best and first advice would be to educate yourself further...Try checking this site out [url]www.webmd.com There are lots of things associated with low hemoglobin levels (most of which can be easily remedied).

Other good advice already mentioned - Think positive

You are well received and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Chase

**pdcorlis** · 9th November 07, 01:45 PM

If its any help Alec - I have the exact opposit problem - I make too many red blood cells - its called polycythemia. Maybe we should get together - that could solve both our problems

**cessna152towser** · 9th November 07, 02:05 PM

Thanks folks for all your kind support, re-assurances and sharing your own experiences.
A problem shared is a problem halved.
I will sleep a bit easier tonight.
I will be seeing the doc on Wednesday and will let you know how it goes.

**cessna152towser** · 15th November 07, 05:11 AM

Well I went to the doc and he could find nothing wrong with me. He took a further blood sample to send away for testing but he re-assured me it was highly unlikely there was anything seriously wrong. Then this morning I received a letter from the blood transfusion service to say that on retesting my original sample they have now found that the haemoglobin level wqas 141g/L which is an acceptable level for blood donation. They invite me to come along and donate blood and apologise for the previous error. I'd like to think all this worry I've had the past week or two will make me a better person; that I'd no longer take good health for granted and would put life's minor hassles in the context that health is wealth and not let other, more trivial things, bother me.

**McMurdo** · 15th November 07, 05:15 AM

Well that is wonderful news Alex glad to hear that it was nothing to worry about.

**cacunn** · 15th November 07, 05:17 AM

It is the power of kilted living and the good thought of your friends at X-Marks. But a good diet and attention to your health is good also. Glad to hear the news.