[cathybee1]

Our hematologist also knew very little about copper deficiency. There is a known connection between copper deficiency, anemia and neutropenia, but the significance of "somewhat low" copper levels is controversial. Bruce's ceruloplasmin level hovers around 14, and copper around high 50's to low 60's. His zinc level has usually been in the normal range Our gp was initially much more interested in the copper deficiency than the hematologist. Bruce started with oral supplementation (the same supplements that Greg mentioned) and when Bruce failed to respond to those, the gp began copper injections. Bruce had "push IV's" (given by syringe) at the doctor's office until his veins started to go, then he had a port-a-cath installed, and I was able to administer the injections at home through the port. Bruce did this for about 6 months, but was unable to raise his copper levels. He discontinued the injections and returned to tablets as well as a liquid oral copper sulfate supplement. He does not take any supplemental zinc except what is in his multi-vitamin. A month ago, his copper level was at 64.

The Mayo Clinic has had some success resolving anemia in their copper deficient patients, though most described had extremely low copper levels. For us, the trick was getting our hematologist engaged at all. We live in California, Bruce's hematologist is in southern Oregon, and the communication with the doctor at the Mayo Clinic was by phone. That may be an option you can ask your doctor about. We kind of wore the hematologist down until he agreed to call Mayo. Wake Forest in North Carolina also has done some clinical studies on the copper/anemia connection. I know that's not very close either, but at least in the same time zone!

Another test not mentioned you should discuss with your gp is one for celiac disease.