Hello doctors,
I’ve been struggling with exhaustion for quite some time now (many years!). No real cause has been found.
Any form of physical activity causes excessive fatigue. So it’s really tough to find a balance between sufficient physical activity and recovery, while I like being active.
A thing blood tests show is that MCV and MCH numbers are quite low (latest numbers are resp. 82.7fL and 27.8pg) while erythrocytes are normal (5.14 10^6/µL) and hemglobine is low-ish (14.3 g/dL) but still quite normal.
Would you think this is something worth investigating any further?
Many thanks for a response!
An MCV of 82 is within most lab normal ranges, and is not “quite low”.
The MCH is not a very useful measurement because it typically just tracks with the MCV, whereas the MCHC (typically 32-36 g/dL) is more useful in distinguishing certain conditions, when present.
If you wanted to check an iron panel (iron/ferritin/transferrin/etc.), that would be reasonable in the context of otherwise-unexplained fatigue, however I would probably be looking elsewhere for potential causes/contributors, in general.
I’ve had treatment for OSAS (bimaxillary osteotomy). In general I am in bed for 8h each night. I try to extend that to 8 1/2 hours when I can.
I have sarcoidosis but there are no signs it is active. I have no more granulomas. I do have a chronic very mild dry cough. No other symptoms. (apart from the permanent exhaustion?)
Your red blood cell parameters (Hgb / MCV / MCHC) are all essentially normal, and would not explain the symptoms you are experiencing.
Unfortunately doing a full evaluation of these symptoms is beyond the scope of this forum, though, as that is more the realm of a full consultation with a clinician.
Many thanks for your replies Dr. Baraki.
I do understand the limitations of the forum and appreciate you taking the time to respond to total strangers having medical questions. Even the limited information you can supply does help.
I have booked a consultation with the GP. Maybe a new sleep test is in order or a check-up on the status of the sarcoidosis.
I’m thinking about a visit to a psychologist to help me with the mental aspects of dealing with this chronic exhaustion.