Hemoglobin Level |
The hemoglobin percentage measures the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen.
A normal hemoglobin range is about 14.5 -18 g/dl for men and 12 -16 g/dl for women.
Most people still feel well with hemoglobin as low as 10 g/ dl.
Your doctor will be checking your blood cell count (CBC) regularly before and/ or
after a treatment cycle. If your red blood cell count falls too low, you may need
a blood transfusion or a heme iron supplementation to boost the number of red blood
cells.
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What to look for. |
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New or worsening tiredness |
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Dizziness, weakness |
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Paleness, feeling cold all the time. |
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What must the patient do with low hemoglobin - |
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Rest up and pace activities. |
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Tell the doctor if you're not able to get around as well as usual. |
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Plan your important activities when you have the most energy. |
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Eat a balanced diet that includes protein (meat, eggs, cheese, and legumes such
as peas and beans) |
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Drink plenty of water every day, unless your doctor gives you other instructions. |
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What else should the family look out for - |
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Watch for confusion, faintness, or dizziness. |
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AND call the doctor immediately if the patient has any of the following serious
side effects: |
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Has chest pains or palpitations. |
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Has shortness of breath when resting |
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Becomes confused or cannot concentrate |
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Has not been able to get out of bed for more than 24 hours |
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Has blood in his or her stool * |
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Vomits dark brown or bright red material* |
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(*The last two symptoms are signs of bleeding, and can cause severe anemia.) |
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