Troy Rash

As you may or may not know, my health insurance lapsed late last summer and I had been unable to continue treatment or diagnosis. 
We were able to finally get it reinstated at the beginning of the year. From there things have taken on a whirl wind pace.
Following a complete blood workup, it was discovered my platelets dropped to 56 (133-382 is considered normal), my RBC or Red Blood Cell count is 3.43 (4.2 - 6.02 is normal), my WBC or White Blood Cell count is 2.10 (4.26-9.66 is normal), my Hemoglobin is 9.3 (14.0-17.5 is normal), my Hematocrit is 30.7 (42.0-52.0 is normal), my Haptoglobin was 11 (normal is 32.-382), my IRF or Immature Reticulocyte Fraction was 20.1 (normal is 2.3-13.4), my RET-Hgb or Reticulocyte Hemoglobin was 25.8 (normal is 29-35), my LY# or Lymphocytes are .99 (normal is 1.12-3.06), my MO% or Monocytes are 10.9 (normal is 3.7-9.6), my NE% or Neutrophils are 35.2 (normal is 40.9-73.1), my B-12 is 1230 (normal is 211-911) and my Ferritin is 7 (normal is 22-415). 
So.. Some of these numbers will change going up or down, these are the results of my most current blood tests and panels performed 1/26/20.
The doctor felt the most pressing issue was getting my iron levels back up. I was on a prescribed iron supplement of 3 doses a day for a week.
A CTScan was scheduled and performed on Wednesday Jan 22nd. The results indicated I have an enlarged spleen, an enlarged liver, and several enlarged lymph nodes in my belly.
More blood tests were performed and my iron was found to have not made any advance, so my doctor ordered two treatments of an iron infusion. 
I had the first treatment today 1/28/20 and am feeling more energy. The solution they gave me was Feraheme at 500mg.
I go back for another treatment next Tuesday, Feb 4.
Then on Wed, Feb 5th I am having an EGD performed to see if they can locate the source of blood loss. Which they feel I am experiencing. I had a colonoscopy last year and all was 'clear' so to speak. But they are concerned I am losing blood somewhere as a stool sample showed presence of blood.
On Monday Feb 10, I go back for more labs. It will then be determined whether I need more iron infusions.
They are also working with the Cancer Center in Peoria to perform a liver biopsy and determine when and if biopsies should be performed on the lymph nodes in my belly. Theses procedures have yet to scheduled, however I will update as more information and results are provided.


SO, there I am.


I am thinking of setting up a blog to keep people updated on my progress. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Please understand I am going to do my level best to answer all the questions you may have regarding my health. But I tire easily and may not respond in timely manner. I may look at your message, but I am not ignoring you and will answer as soon as I am able.


Rod and I are loving Illinois and he is being a tremendous help in keeping my attitude positive. We are still selling online, but had to close the brick and mortar shoppe in October. We do have a space in the local antique mall that keeps him pretty busy.
I love you,
Troy