From my experience, PLEX does some damage to the red blood cell because of the process of going through the machine.

My red blood count usually drops and show some sign of damage. Have not need a transfusion though.

Be sure to ask your PLEX docs and neuro what they think.

--Kerry

Thanks Kerry! Interesting to hear that it can damage the red cells and it makes sense! I have also tested severely iron deficient so not sure if the machine could affect those levels too? I am also on cyclophos infusions like you and was wondering if those weren't also contributing by suppressing my bone marrow production?

My iron levels are low too. I take 325mg of ferrous sulfate every other day per my neuro. Every day is too much on my stomach.

I also really battle with the ferrous sulphate preparations and my abdomen but find a chelated compound called Chelafer alot easier though not completely side effect free. Apparently the chelated iron is also better absorbed so perhaps it is something you could try Kerry.

I am on Cellecpt and get plex. I am anemic but keep numbers above need for transfusion with diet( cream of wheat and watermelon)

My labs last week hbg 9.7, Hct 29.6, plts 166.

I have had to get plattlets but never whole blood.

Do you have other diagnosis other than Mg or on other meds that maybe causing this?

So sorry, I hope they figuire it out for you.

I also get plex on a weekly or biweekly basis and my hemagolbin has been low, but then again it was low before I started plex so I can;t really say that plex is the cause.

Interesting topic... I know that my plates have dropped very low, think one time it was 116.

They feel I am anemic, but have not figured out why.
hugs,
Annette

Hey Ange! We need to keep you out of the hospital girlfriend!

I was anemic a couple of years ago and finally got my numbers back to normal. This summer, with having a few rounds of plex, they dropped again. I think plex does have an effect. If mine dropped with three exchanges over a couple of months, I can see how yours might drop so severely with so many exchanges. I'll bet your cyclophos is contributing as well.

Take care, glad to see you back.
Love,
Cathi

Thanks Jeannie! Didn't have a clue that watermelon and creamy wheat were high in iron and good for anaemia! I adore watermelon but sadly it's the dead of winter here in South Africa. Will try the wheat thing though thanks!

Apart from the MG I also have pulmonary embolic disease and asthma. There has been a suspicion of some gastro diagnoses as well but with my MG so unstable my neuro reluctant for me to have the full colonoscopy needed for diagnosis. I guess that is why I'm worried.

That's interesting Annette. My platelets always seem to actually increase after the exchanges which doesn't make sense to me??

Amen Cathi!!! I have had about enough of hospital to last me a lifetime and more!!! With your experience perhaps it really is the plasma exchange and like you say the chemo may also be contributing.

I'm going to do some reading on the subject and will get back to you guys with what I discover. Strength to you all my friends!
!!!