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Silly question 2

Posted , 3 users are following.

jessie2150
jessie2150

sorry, should add that I can accept I probably have some COPD (brought it on myself with smoking didn't I). but if so it has never caused me symptoms (breathless, frequent chest infections etc)  so why is this being assumed to be the cause of my polycythaemia?

sorry if I'm rambling.

j

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ellen68007
    ellen68007 jessie2150

    Posted

    Hi Jessie. When I had my cat scan it was then I was diagnosed with COPD. All my other tests were fine. I had many tests but the only thing confirmed was the COPD so that is why my final diagnosis was secondary Polycythemia. I dint know what tests you have had but sounds like you don't meet the criteria fot primary Polycthemia?

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 ellen68007

      Posted

      Hi ellen. Thanks for the reply. I quite agree with you that what I have will be probably be dx as secondary p.eventually.  I was wondering though why a doctor would make an assumption of copd being the underlying cause before testing.

      There is no answer to it, just my doc I think !

      Hope you are doing well.

      j

    • ellen68007
      ellen68007 jessie2150

      Posted

      Polycythemia is not that common. I personally feel a lot of Doctors are not experienced it this particular disorder. A Hemotologist is. A firm diagnoses can't be determined until all the testing is complete. My diagnoses took months before I was ruled out for primary Polycythemia. The only test which was the cat scan were COPD was evident thus being the secondary Polycythemia. Process of elimination. I do hope you see a Hemotologist. Hope this helps Jessie

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