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Thank you - I have been to the doc today - jessie

Posted , 4 users are following.

jessie2150
jessie2150

jessie2150 • 8 minutes agoHi to all you very helpful guys here:   I took the advice offered and have seen a doctor today !  

The doc checked back on my blood tests and said I have had high heamoglobin levels for years (14 years in fact).  Also said that as I probably have some COPD (having no treatment for that) that will be the cause, so her advice is to just carry on as normal - no need for further tests, venesections etc - didn't even suggest daily aspirin !!  I had the impression that further tests would only be made if no probable cause was apparent.

Relieved but on the other hand it is strange how GP's advice differs as if I had continued with another docs recommendations years ago I would be having (as he intimated) more tests and probably venesections by now.

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and information, it was all very useful indeed and I am really grateful you took the time to reply, and it did make me get it checked out.  best wishes all.   j.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • angela_o..o
    angela_o..o jessie2150

    Posted

    Glad to hear that things went well.
    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 angela_o..o

      Posted

      Thank you angela. 

      I saw today that polycythemia is written in my medical notes, but been told that as it is probably secondary nothing to be done.

      Not sure how ill I must be before any treatment is considered - but 'trust me, I'm a doctor'.................?

      By the way, yes I am in UK.

  • clem19079
    clem19079 jessie2150

    Posted

    Your family doc had your blood checked or was a heamotology doc that tested you? I had given countless blood samples over the years and pv was never picked up on. Ask your doc to send your to heamotology to put your mind at rest. He/ she will unlikely refuse you. That way you will know deffinately 1 way or the other.
    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 clem19079

      Posted

      Hi clem - No I only saw my family doc today (a new one) and she didn't take blood just looked at previous history.  

      Isn't it possible that high heamoglobin can be lived with without treatment?

      As I said previously I saw polycythemia had been written previously on my medical notes so it has been noted but obviously doesn't need treatment?  I did mention the trembling, breathlessness and tiredness today and after angela wrote how well she felt after treatment I want to feel like that!   j

    • clem19079
      clem19079 jessie2150

      Posted

      Pv and prv always need treatment. It's not something that can be ignored no matter what your doctor says. I attend the cancer centre every 6 to 8 wks. I doubt very much I am going there to give them something to do. Every blood sample I give can come back with news that my blood has mutated to cancer of some sort. . If your notes say you have polycthemia then tell them to send you to have it treated and it's not to be ignored.
  • harrishill1
    harrishill1 jessie2150

    Posted

    Hi Jressie. I hada high red bloodcount and was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera. How will you ever find out if you have the same disease if you don't see a Hematologist? We with this disease need medication. We are at risk of getting blood clots. I am on Hydroxyurea and also on a 85 mg aspirin. If not treated, my blood disease could turn into a myloproliferative cancer. You need a second opinion.

    Good luck

    harrishill

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