Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
Emily wrote:
A poor diet would not likely cause such a low hemoglobin, unless perhaps the
patient had pernicious anemia. It suggests a further workup be carried out.
Although I am not an internist, a simple dietary explanation would not be
sufficient, and other potential causes should be investigated.


Well, after my last experience, I'll try diet first, thanks. I don't
need other idiots poking around and making things up.

(Not saying you're making this up, obviously, but I'm a little reluctant
to go back to the doctor)


He's right, though. *Something* is causing your hgb to run low and it ought to
be investigated. Go find another doc, pay cash and don't say a word about
flying.

Well, it's *always* been on the low side of normal, and sometimes
slightly below normal (speaking as blood donor who gets deferred as
often as she gets to donate). Dunno. I have to go in for the second
hep A shot in November, I'll make some...lifestyle changes....and if
nothing's changed by then, maybe I'll consider bringing it up when I go
in to get poked.

And until then, it's not like I'm stupid enough to fly solo at 10,000
feet...