My husband has multiple medical issues that started in the past month. He went to the doctor with a severely swollen and painful foot. Lab work was done and he had an elevated D-Dimer, I think it was 2,000. He then had a carotid doppler of both legs where no clots were found. He has also been having numb and painful hands, neck, etc. and a recent cervical MRI showed 2 disc bulges among other degenerative and arthritic problems. Today he had needle EMG and was found to have carpal tunnel in both hands. The doctor who did the lab work also called today and said he received other abnormal labs results: severe anemia and very elevated said rate. My husband also has ankylosing spondylitis which he sees a rheumatologist for on a regular basis and has been having no major issues with that. He does get iritis sometimes but does not currently have that or any other known infections. He has been feeling "not right" with nausea, fatigue, weakness, etc. What on earth could be going on? I am concerned and the doctors seem puzzled. He is 56 years old.

'Severe' anemia? What's his hematocrit? Did he have a MCV? That alone would explain how he feels. But anemia is not a disease in itself; it's a symptom. We can't possibly know of what. Was it his left leg and foot? Were no tests done on his heart?

If the doctor is puzzled, either demand further investigation or find another doctor who will. His major problems sound heart and blood related. I can't believe that further tests aren't in the works.