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Where is the phlebotomy done for PV?

Posted , 5 users are following.

ruth53033
ruth53033

I have a recently diagnosed friend who says they told her she has to have her blood drawn every other day at a specific hospital that is 100 miles from her home.  Is this kind of blood draw different than, say, donating blood?  Is it something she could get done closer to home, at a local blood bank or hospital?  Her hematocrit was 75 before they got it lowered in the hospital.  I've tried to find this info online but haven't had any luck.  Thanks.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Scotslassie
    Scotslassie ruth53033

    Posted

    I have this done every six months or when need..8ts the same as giving blood. The nurse inserts a needle , no pain and withdraws a pint..this blood has to be thrown away because it is no good to anyone, sadly.
  • Scotslassie
    Scotslassie ruth53033

    Posted

    I have mine done at the local day hospital.Your doctors dont have the facilities to do it.

     

  • clem19079
    clem19079 ruth53033

    Posted

    It's very unlikely blood would be taken off everyday, it would leave her anaemic. A pint would be taken off same as if you was donating blood except it would be thrown away. Folk with pv or pvr can't donate blood or organs to anyone else as it they would be poisoned. I doubt cry much anyone would be asked to travel long distance. It's more likely the procedure would be carried out closer to home. But as with all sufferers with pv or pvr, a blood sample would be taken regularly. In my case it's every six weeks. Once your friend blood levels a normalised they would then be put on medication such as hydrozycarbamide, aspirin a a hayfever tablet to help with the itching. Your friend will also have a bone marrow test done. Hope this helps.
  • frances20411
    frances20411 ruth53033

    Posted

    To Ruth:  NO.... it looks like the same blood BUT it is defective with the Poly Vera

    aspects..  You can have lab work done anywhere but ONLY certain nurses are

    licensed in America to do blood letting (phlebotomies)..  I don't know what country you live in.  75 is very high for HCT and I found that your iron intake has alot to

    do with your HCT...that is why I stopped All red meats and dark green veggies

    drink a lot of water to help circulation (poly vera will cause your blood to clot)

    and the higher the HCT number the more chance you have for clots  You must

    find any cilnic or hospital that has a nurse that is licensed. Do you have an onocologist??? doctor is specialize in poly vera disease.  It is a disease..

  • ruth53033
    ruth53033

    Posted

    She was recently hospitalized for a severe headache and was diagnosed with PV while in the hospital.  She has an appointment with a hematologist/oncologist but is very stressed because the word "cancer" was used and she insists they told her she can only have it done at a hospital in Lexington, KY, USA, which is 100 miles from her home.  I'm hoping she will get more info during her appt.  Thanks.
    • clem19079
      clem19079 ruth53033

      Posted

      Wen her condition is brought under control the risk is minimised. Look at it this way, a lot of folk aren't monitored for cancer , she will be on a regular basis. I was born with pv and as side from a lot of ailments I haven't had cancer. Tell not to worry about something that may never happen. Do the worrying if it's ever diagnosed and if it is, it will be spotted very early . I'm in Ireland so treatment is pretty much the same. When the blood is taken off the headaches will dissipate. She's in a good place, try to make at ease. Any questions, no matter how daft you think they are, just ask. Folk are gd on here.
  • frances20411
    frances20411 ruth53033

    Posted

    Hi! Ruth:  I have had (within the last 2 yrs) two different cancers and after having

    several Bad (into the Hospital type) nose bleeds and DVT they discovered I had this third blood cancer (poly vera)

    I believe in getting all the info I can and mostly prayer

    I have my blood lab every week to stay on stop of knowing what my HCT is.

    the number over 44 requires a phlebotomy.  This happens everytime I have the

    higher number.  Are you taking that cancer med hydro???  I won't take it but

    maybe you do or already are on it.  Good luck .

  • frances20411
    frances20411 ruth53033

    Posted

    Both my lab work and phlebotomies are done at a clinic that specializes in

    cancer of most types...with Chemo etc.

    It is connected to the Univ. of California in San Diego.  It is very expensive

    but I have good insurance.  Hospitals will (with an appoinment)

    but need a doctor's recommendation.

    • clem19079
      clem19079 frances20411

      Posted

      Thankfully us folk in uk get free health care. I also attend a cancer unit much same as you would in us.
  • ellen68007
    ellen68007 ruth53033

    Posted

    My advice is to stay connected to this forum. The advice and knowledge here is remarkable. It's also very assuring to communicate with others dealing with the same blood disorder. I currently am still being tested. I have had 3 blood letting appointments which have bright my blood levels to normal readings. I won't be getting a firm diagnoses until next month however my primary Doctor is certain that I have PV. Hope you find a clinic that can do this simple procedure that is closer. Good luck.
  • frances20411
    frances20411 ruth53033

    Posted

    Regarding Poly Vera...I noted that a primary doctor is advising.

    One must have a specialist since this is a cancer disease

    in America the doctor is a Onocologist.

    I almost died with the advice from a primary.

    • ruth53033
      ruth53033 frances20411

      Posted

      She has an appointment with a hematologist/oncologist today so I'm hoping she will get more info and be less stressed about it.  I agree that forums like these are very helpful.  I joined one for heart disease after I had a heart attack and it was so helpful with advice and just understanding what is happening.  I also joined one after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma so I knew a forum like this was the best place to get real-life information from people who've gone through it.  Thanks so much!
    • clem19079
      clem19079 ruth53033

      Posted

      This disease is cancer related it is not cancer nor does Ruth have to devolve cancer. It's a word she has to put out of her head. Doctors are there to tell you the worst possible senario, you hope for the best but expect the worst. As I said I was born with this and have not developed cancer, other problems to do with this diseace are causing me problems. Her illness though at the min can't be controlled can be treated and controlled. Tell her regardless of wat gloom n doom news doctors hand out, it doesn't have to be the out come. Best wishes
  • frances20411
    frances20411 ruth53033

    Posted

    Poly vera is a "form" of cancer.  Every cancer has different symptoms and

    results.  It is a disease of the bone marrow by making too many red blood cells.

    The muliplication of cells is cancer...call it what you may.

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