RDW?
The RDW stands for Random Distribution of RBC Weight. It tells how consistent are the size of the red blood cells.
Page bottom for more blood cell counts ... definition
RDW is increased when someone has Hemolytic Anemia (That is the fatigue doctors are looking for in CFS, FM, CFIDS) Most of the bloodwork looks at least in normal range and doctors do not LOOK at the red blood cells. I have seen gulf war vets comment that their red blood cell count/s are in normal range, but they are small sized.
Random Distribution of Weight (RDW)
"The RDW stands for Random Distribution of RBC Weight. It tells how consistent are the size of the red blood cells. Newly made cells (reticulocytes), B12 and folic acid deficient cells are larger than iron deficient cells. This is an electronic index that may help clarify if an anemia has multiple components. The high RDW helps determine if there is only a B12 and/or folic acid deficiency (with normal RDW showing the red cells are mostly the same size) or with concomitant iron deficiency (a high RDW due to small and large red blood cells)."
"Optimal Range: 13"
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The chemical exposure I suspect for this (Per research it causes hemolytic anemia) is 2-butoxyethanol
I have had a whole day of miserable 'sniffles' because I went by to see a grandchild age 10. She, too has been having the sniffles & her mom is blaming it on allergies starting up. I think it is the chemicals they clean with there or one of the other houses she often goes to to spend the night. She was giving her mom a pedicure while I was there. I was only there about 10 minutes, and these horrible 'sniffles' (loosening of the sinuses) started up. I am so congested tonight I can barely sleep. If I looked at the chemicals in the polish or one of the components I firmly believe I would find 2-butoxyethanol or a worse version of it. It is a complex alcohol ... that poisons your entire system. (I believe it is the cause of CFIDS)
Psoriasis from a rummage sale? I suspect this is an autoimmune issue, and that you could easily get too much exposure to the 2-butoxyethanol from someone who came or worked there (Second hand solvent exposure ... their breath into your eyes.)
I suspect this type of exposure led to Anna Nicol Smith's death. She was around someone who was taking 'flu' meds. This chemical exposure in the extreme looks like the flu.
Look for this odd assortment of symptoms ... do you have enough to suspect this chemical exposure?
Central Nervous System Effects:
Difficulty Concentrating
Short Term Memory Loss
Difficulty Sleeping
Constantly Irritable
Depression
Suicidal Tendencies
Horrible Headaches
Do you recall any times of severe flu-like symptoms more
and Horrible FATIGUE? AIHA Fatigue clues:
Chills
Fatigue
Pale color
Shortness of breath
Rapid heart rate
Yellow skin color (jaundice)
Dark urine
Enlarged spleen
Eyes burning & hurting
Red blood cells immature? etc
Blood in Urine?
In response to this question E-bay thread