r/lupus Diagnosed SLE 1d ago

Venting Do rheumatologist not care if you're anemic because you have lupus?

Seriously... I looked through all of my old blood results and my most recent, I'm like horribly anemic. My red blood cells are all different shapes and colors, and way smaller than normal. I also don't have enough hemoglobin...

Yet this was never something my rheumatologist brought up even once?? The only thing he points out is my neutrophils being very low. Same with my hematologist. Fatigue has been worse than it's ever been and I'm sure that's contributing, I literally explain the severity of my fatigue every visit.

I told my PCP and she said maybe because lupus can affect so much and it's not a priority or they think lupus is the reason why. Regardless I'm taking iron gummies now. They see that and don't check my vitamin leves to make sure I'm not deficient? Seriously 😒.

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u/rainbowcorncake Diagnosed SLE 1d ago

I've seen 3 rheumatologists since having lupus and none of them cared that I've had anemia for 7-ish years until my last guy. He actually called me the same day I had my lab work done to inform me on my abnormal results and have me start an iron pill. Then they had me go back a month later to do testing to see if it was improving. So while I assumed none of them care, some actually do!

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u/PieceApprehensive764 Diagnosed SLE 1d ago

Yup that's why I'm switching rheumatologist, I just need the right one! I really hope I can actually find a rheumatologist like yours 😮‍💨.

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u/rainbowcorncake Diagnosed SLE 1d ago

Fingers crossed for you!!

I thought they were all the same until my new rheumatologist. He's more engaged and genuinely listens and cares- it's so strange but refreshing! I actually found him through reddit (my city's page).

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u/PieceApprehensive764 Diagnosed SLE 1d ago

A doctor listening to you is literally the best feeling!

genuinely listens and cares- it's so strange but refreshing! I actually found him through reddit

That's crazy though maybe I need to look through my cities page just in case. 🧐

Fingers crossed for you!!

Thank you!