Iron deficiency anaemia

[apapuchi]

Hi everyone,

My DH went for a Men's Health check yesterday as he recently turned 40. Despite him (well, us both) drinking and smoking socially a bit more than we should... he is very fit and eats well. His BP, glucose etc which we thought may show up some unexpected thing were all normal. He's had a call this evening 24 hours later to say his bloods show iron deficiency and they want him to attend tomorrow morning for a physical exam (abdomen palpation from what he told me he was told). We are trying to be sensible but have read that iron deficiency and/or anaemia in men is rare and potentially significant.

He has had haemorrhoids for several years now which mean he bleeds after a BM (significant blood in the toilet pan but not between BMs) but this is the only health issue that could seem relevant. He does have approx three BMs daily which is normal for him and no changes to the stool which doesn't have (obvious) blood and is normal. Or appears so. His dad died of stomach cancer last year but at 71 so obviously far older but this is still a worry, I suppose the biggest elephant in the room is the worry of bowel cancer.

I guess nobody can say anything reassuring really but I just wondered if anyone had experience of anything similar and what they might do. Having read the NICE guidelines about the iron deficiency it seems as he's male and has rectal bleeding it would be likely they'd consider a two week referral so I am guessing he should push for that if they don't immediately suggest that's what they'll do? Is a colonoscopy likely? Appreciate any thoughts or shared experience and I hope those of you going through difficult times - or supporting those who are - are all doing ok, sending love to all.

I had a range of poor blood results (post menopausal woman). TTG was negative. Was put onto two two-week pathways - first for suspected bladder cancer (blood found in urine) and then for bowel cancer (no blood in stools but blood results continuing to worsen despite being on range of supplements). Endoscopy revealed coeliac disease. The doctor who did the gastroscopy and endoscopy said the blood test isn't conclusive for coeliac.

Not a pleasant diagnosis but so much better than what it might have been! Hope your DH is okay. Sending positive thoughts to both of you.

Thank you @OllOllyBJolly I have read that about the tests for coeliac not always detecting it. Time will tell, I suppose.

Another week starting so I imagine it's likely he'll at least get his appointment date this week if not the actual appointment.

How are you getting on op?

Hi Flamingo, thanks for asking! I was planning to update this thread yesterday coincidentally but then life (kids) got in the way.

So he had a colonoscopy and endoscopy (gastroscopy?) on the 05/03. They said at the appointment that his colonoscopy was clear, couple of little things but nothing serious and certainly no sign of cancer. He's to have further assessment and maybe treatment of haemorrhoids.

That was my main concern but actually the only real things of significance were on the gastro side. They took biopsies and he has oesophagitis so has been prescribed lanzoprazole (sp?) medium-term and also iron and has to continue with Vitamin D. Negative for H-pylori as they did that test at the hospital, too.

It seemed like that was going to be the end of it at the moment at least but he had a call from the consultant's secretary this morning scheduling an ultrasound. He's away visiting a friend to get away for a few days after all the stress, so it's typical the call came today but I am just trying to think and also reassure him that they are just being thorough. Hopefully that is the case, of course his dad's stomach cancer and other gastro issues loom large but hopefully nothing serious. I do wonder where specifically the USS will be but as I wasn't with him for the call we won't know until the letter comes through with the appointment, or maybe it's general abdo but again we'll have to wait and see unless it comes up in the appointments on his NHS APP (which I got sorted thanks to brill advice and encouragement on this thread and which has been great).

Thank you again for asking, I hope you're ok and not going through anything similar nor a loved one.