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My hands are so red

Posted , 4 users are following.

ellen68007
ellen68007

i have been diagnosed with secondary polycythemia. Secondary being COPD. My hands are so red. I have red that red hands is a classic symptom of PV. My question is "why". What causes it. I have googled it with no luck. My family Dr. Is very good but she put it done to nerves and anziety. I am not a nervous person at all. If anyone can help with an explanation I would really appreciate it.

Thankyou

Ellen

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • clem19079
    clem19079 ellen68007

    Posted

    When did you last have your blood pressure checked? Don't be anxious, I know what it's like. If you are itching in your hands, ask your doctor to proscribe you a hayfever drug. That will deal with the itching. Also, ring your consultants department and tell them your concerned and could they fit you in. You may need blood off. Stop worrying. Once you get the treatment the symptoms will start to subside.
  • Orseblue
    Orseblue ellen68007

    Posted

    Sorry I don't have an solution.

    My right foot underneath is red and very itchy, my face is red and blotchy most times.

    If I put on foundation to hide it, it get worse.

    • clem19079
      clem19079 Orseblue

      Posted

      Ask your consultant's department if they can take you early and that you are suffering and getting stressed by your symptoms. They may take a pint of blood off you to get your red cell count near to level. Best wishes
    • ellen68007
      ellen68007 clem19079

      Posted

      HI there! My blood pressure is fine. I am not stressing. My guess is you are right ona unit of blood taken off. I have not had blood work done now for 3 months. The Hemotologist sent a report to my gp and said no plebotomy's. Blood work every 4 months. My red blood cell count was high on my last appointment with her. She said it was elevated but not serious. I was only to stay on blood thinners and monthly B-12 injections. Blood work done once every 4 months. Guess I will have to wait just a bit longer to have complete blood count test. She felt with this being secondary that treatment for the COPD is the answer. It's the very red hands that has me wondering. If when I get my blood work done, I think that in itself will give a good indication of  what  the problem is. I am hoping anyway.
    • clem19079
      clem19079 ellen68007

      Posted

      If it's up at all, tell your consultant you want blood off. If it's not normal it's not right. 1st thing Monday call and tell them your physically uncomfortable and to sort it out.
  • frances20411
    frances20411 ellen68007

    Posted

    Hi! you are the first one that I remember mentioning the red hands thing.

    I too have had this red hand thing since developing Poly V...it is part of the

    disease...and I can tell if I need a phlebotomy by how red the palms get.

    I have had 2 different cancer (both in remission) in the past 3 years and then

    came this Poly V.  I will NOT take meds but have a weekly lab done so I can

    see what my HCT level is in my blood..any number over 44 I need a phelbotomy

    When I first discovered I had Poly V the number was in the high 50's.  I have

    had PV for over 3yrs now...and I have my own program of NOT eating any foods

    that are high in Iron such as red meats, kale, spinach etc.  I also drink 1/2 gallon

    of water daily and walk.  My HCT number is in the low 40's now and I feel great

    I do not take Iron pills or an med offered by the doctor.  I wish you luck??

    I truly believe that the body will heal itself if taken care of...

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