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Sorry read above with no clear diagnosis, my rectum bleeds at times others it doesn't but still need blood n lots, im 57 started at 53had heart attack at 55 1/2. Major r lower abdomen pain n upper respiratory my r. Bad pains, 8 endoscopy all negative plz help need advice three different size shaped blood cells n pale cells new abdomen troubles severe pain moving hard to pee n yes stage 3 almost near stage 4 cud. Mild heartfailure new 2 yrs now w cold n TB inactive....sure im forgetting a lot… read more

March 13
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A myPNHteam Member

Hello Doreenharner, I understand your need to ask for help because PNH, besides being very disabling and rare, often leaves us feeling alone, especially during the worst moments. I hope you are stable at the moment. The pains you describe are related to PNH symptoms. Abdominal pains are usually very painful, I know from experience. And they tend to spread to all areas. However, if you explain these symptoms to your doctors, they might be able to perform a routine ultrasound to see how your body is doing.

I also suffered bleeding on occasion, and when I had aplastic anemia, I had many blood and iron transfusions. Your body is trying to recover, and my best advice in these cases is to try to lead as calm and peaceful a life as possible, both physically and mentally. Love and peace, as you wish for us, help reinforce positive thinking. I hope they can offer you some treatment soon. I wish you all the best, my friend.

March 14
myPNHteam

How can you get a clear PNH diagnosis when you've had years of symptoms without answers?

It sounds like you've been through an incredibly difficult journey with ongoing bleeding, transfusions, blood clots, and severe pain without a clear diagnosis. Your strength through all of this is remarkable.

Getting a PNH diagnosis Show Full Answer

How can you get a clear PNH diagnosis when you've had years of symptoms without answers?

It sounds like you've been through an incredibly difficult journey with ongoing bleeding, transfusions, blood clots, and severe pain without a clear diagnosis. Your strength through all of this is remarkable.

Getting a PNH diagnosis can take years because it's so rare and symptoms overlap with other conditions. One myPNHteam member went undiagnosed for 10 years despite frequent hospitalizations, severe fatigue, repeated infections, and dropping blood counts.

What finally led to diagnosis:

- Finding a doctor who truly listened to all symptoms
- Reviewing lab results carefully alongside symptoms
- Ordering specific tests like flow cytometry to detect PNH cells
- Considering PNH when other tests came back negative

Your symptoms of needing constant blood transfusions, having different sized and pale blood cells, blood clots (PEs), and severe abdominal pain could be related to PNH. The rectal bleeding and need for iron transfusions suggest significant blood loss and destruction. Important steps to take:

- Ask your doctor about flow cytometry testing specifically for PNH if you haven't had this test
- Request a consultation with a hematologist who specializes in rare blood disorders
- Bring a complete list of all your symptoms, including the blood clots, transfusion history, and abdominal pain
- Advocate strongly for yourself - you know something is wrong

Blood clots in PNH often occur in unusual places like the abdomen, which could explain your severe abdominal pain. The pale cells and different sizes suggest red blood cell destruction, which is central to PNH.

Don't give up on finding answers. A good doctor will listen to your complete story and order the right tests. Your persistence matters.

March 13

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