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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My B-12, & ferritin are always high when my RBC's show macrocytic anemia, the opposite. Can this occur with poor gut absorption?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭

I'm 62 and a "watch and wait". My platelets, hemoglobin, and other labs are good. I also have neutropenia, 2.9 to 3.1 usually. I've always had symptoms of B-12 deficiency (neuropathy, fatigue, cracks in corner of my mouth, hair loss, etc.) but advised NOT to get B-12 shots due to it always being 2000 on labs. I read that high ferritin and B-12 s can also be a sign of leukemia. Anyone?

March 17, 2025
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Robert- My hospital and doctors have a digital record keeping system. The results of all my tests are sent directly to me via internet and are available to everyone on my care team as well. That way I am prepared for my appointments and we can discuss the significance of new results. Test results are always available to me without needing to ask.

March 20, 2025
MyLeukemiaTeam

Yes, it's possible to have high B-12 and ferritin levels while experiencing symptoms that seem like B-12 deficiency. In leukemia, blood test results can sometimes appear contradictory because the disease affects how your bone marrow produces blood cells and how your body uses nutrients.

When you have neutropenia (low white Show Full Answer

Yes, it's possible to have high B-12 and ferritin levels while experiencing symptoms that seem like B-12 deficiency. In leukemia, blood test results can sometimes appear contradictory because the disease affects how your bone marrow produces blood cells and how your body uses nutrients.

When you have neutropenia (low white blood cell count), your body's ability to fight infection is impaired. This is common in leukemia and can occur even when other blood counts appear normal. Your symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and other physical changes can be related to how leukemia affects your bone marrow's ability to produce normal blood cells. During "watch and wait," it's important to keep tracking these symptoms and having regular blood tests. Any significant changes in symptoms or blood counts should be discussed with your healthcare team, as they might indicate a need to adjust your monitoring approach.

March 17, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I hope you resolve your concern with your blood issues? My medical people hide my test results like it is a secret and they do respond to my questions about the test by looking at the results and letting me know the results. So far they say I am normal? Before medication I was 75,000 WBC and today 6,900 WBC.

March 19, 2025

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