In April 2006 my 56 year old husband was diagnosed with MDS RA after a bone marrow biobsy. His white count, platlets, blasts and chromosomes are all fine. At first B 12 and folic acid were bringing his count up. Also, we discovered that he has some hymolisis due to Hereditary Spherocytosis that is also a factor in life long anemia. To complicate things even more, he has high free iron due to a genetic defect and has to avoid all extra iron. The Hemoc is going back to see if the drop from 12.6 to 10.7 is due to hymolysis or if we need to do another bone marrow biopsy to confirm or rule out MDS.
My question to the board is if my husband has MDS and needs transfusions, can we keep it in the family? I don’t want to use the blood bank due to potential contamination. Also, I wonder about the extra iron from his genetic disorder. I suppose we’ll have to do chelation sooner then most. I know I’m getting ahead of myself. We just got the news yesterday about his drop in RBC and I’m upset right now. I know from reading the board that this disease causes a roller coaster of emotion.
Thanks for your input. We are already linked with City of Hope but put off further tests after the insurance approval believing the diagnosis was inaccurate. Now we have a big question mark again.
husband dxed 4-2006 MDS RA, Hereditary Spherocytosis, High free iron, Currently on B 12 shots and vitamin regime
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