Anyone have a guess as to what this could be? I have a family member who requires regular blood...

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Anyone have a guess as to what this could be?

I have a family member who requires regular blood transfusions. He isn't bleeding from anywhere, his blood is just disappearing. No doctors have been able to figure out why. My google searches are to no avail. Any thoughts, ideas?

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Lonelyheart · 22-25, M

Could be the bones. Bones produce red blood cells, maybe his body isn’t losing blood but isn’t producing enough blood cells at a constant rate

Tinkles

So, I'm not a HCP by any means, don't even know about biology but red blood cells get destroyed by the spleen, my thought would be to start there if no obvious source of blood loss

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Tinkles

@GlitterBug I'd be surprised if your Drs haven't thought of that, where are you?

GlitterBug · 22-25, F

I'm sure they've probably looked, he's in Arizona. But he's had this issue for a very long time, needing blood transfusions weekly. @Tinkles

Tinkles

@GlitterBug ah OK the US. Oh wow, poor guy! What it's probably worth doing is asking the drs to go through and explain what they are exploring/thinking just so you can know and understand the process they're following

Winterwanderer · 26-30, M

Maybe the blood cells are converted into something else? Maybe something is breaking down his blood cells or converting them?

I would wonder if he has an unusually high presence of another substance (related to blood?)

SnoopDawg · 26-30, M

Are you related to Dracula?

GlitterBug · 22-25, F

😂 Despite my very pale appearance, no. We are not. @SnoopDawg

SW-User

Interesting 🤔 Do they eat healthy?

GlitterBug · 22-25, F

He does, to not make matters worse he pays close attention to his diet. He can't really exercise anymore but he used to when he was younger. He's has this problem since he was about 30. He's in his 80s now.

@SW-User

SW-User

Thalassemia, sickle cell?

GlitterBug · 22-25, F

Not sure but those seem like obvious causes and they've run a lot of tests for them not to have an answer. @SW-User

SW-User

Are they anemic?

GlitterBug · 22-25, F

Technically, because the blood is gone he has some of the symptoms of anemia. But after a transfusion the symptoms will go away. @SW-User

MasterLee · 56-60, M

Marrow?

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