Understanding Your Blood Counts

Have you noticed a change?

If you're noticing that you have less energy during everyday activities and if you feel more tired than usual, you might have anemia. Here are the general symptoms of anemia:

* ...in your energy level?
* ...in the things you are able to do?
* ...in your strength during day-to-day tasks?

If you're noticing that you have less energy during everyday activities and if you feel more tired than usual, you might have anemia. Here are the general symptoms of anemia:

* The most common is fatigue - or lack of energy
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Loss of sex drive
* Inability to concentrate
* Shortness of breath

Blood is composed of cells that move around in a watery substance called plasma. The three basic types of cells in blood are red cells, white cells and platelets.

It works like this: your body uses oxygen to produce energy. The hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells carries oxygen to all parts of the body, providing the energy needed for normal activities and removes carbon dioxide. When you are anemic, less oxygen reaches your muscles and organs, like your heart. Not having enough red blood cells to carry oxygen places extra demands on your body.

White cells fight infection and harmful substances that invade the body. Platelets help stop bleeding by plugging leaks in blood vessels. It takes all three working together properly to perform vital bodily tasks. To know how your blood cells are working, a complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels, or counts, of the different types of cells in the blood. Because cancer and its treatments can cause blood counts to drop, a CBC is an important test for cancer patients to have.

Know Your Hb Count

If you have cancer, especially if you're receiving chemotherapy, it's important for you to know your Hb count.

The normal Hb count (or level) is:

* 140 g/L to 180 g/L for men
* 120 g/L to 160 g/L for women
* If your Hb count is lower than the normal range and you always feel tired, ask your doctor about treatment to raise your Hb count.

Hemoglobin is measured in grams (g) per liter (L). The average hemoglobin value for men is 160 g/L and for women is 140 g/L. However, the definition of "normal" varies from person to person. If your hemoglobin is outside the normal range, contact your health care provider.

More About Hb and Hb Counts

Hemoglobin (Hb) is vital because it carries oxygen to all parts of your body.

Where is it?
Hb is in the red cells in your bloodstream.

Why is it important?
Your body needs fuel to run, just like a car. The oxygen carried by Hb is the fuel your body needs to stay active.

Can I count on it?
Normally your body makes enough red cells. But some things can keep your body from making enough red cells. If this happened, your Hb count would drop and your body wouldn't get enough oxygen. Both cancer and chemotherapy can cause this. A shortage of nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid also can lower Hb counts.

What happens when there's not enough?
Anemia may develop. Over time, you may become tired physically and mentally. Have you ever held your breath for longer than a minute? Do you remember how tired you were afterward? With anemia, you may feel this tired all the time. Even extra sleep wouldn't help you feel better.

How can I check it out?
Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your Hb. Normal Hb counts, or levels, are 140-180 g/L for men and 120-160 g/L for women.

Can it go back up?
There are ways you can get your Hb count back up to normal. Your doctor will help you decide which way is best for you.

Taking Charge of Your Health: Have Your Hb Checked Regularly

1. Seek nutritional advice about including iron- and vitamin-rich foods and supplements in your diet
2. Plan your activities to save energy and prevent fatigue
3. Be informed about all of your medicines and treatments, including what they do and their side effects
4. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about your disease and/or treatment

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is the result of a lower-than-normal level of red blood cells (RBCs). This can be caused by such events as blood loss (as in surgery); or certain diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease or HIV; or by treatment such as chemotherapy or AZT. Because the hemoglobin in RBCs carries the oxygen vital to all parts of your body, a decrease means you work harder to get oxygen through your body, which can place a strain on your heart. The extra demands placed on your body can cause excessive tiredness or fatigue.

The symptoms of anemia can become so severe that some people may become bedridden. They can't work or even perform basic daily activities, like grocery shopping or taking the dog for a walk.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have anemia without even knowing it. Take the Brief Fatigue Inventory to assess your level of fatigue and discuss the results with your doctor.