Erythrocytosis (Polycythemia): Do I need an oncologist?

Do you have Polycythemia Vera or Polycythemia? If it’s primary, PV I would stick with your oncologist but you can be monitored by any PC that can draw and monitor your blood regularly . You can even get your phlebotomies at blood banks where you donate blood if you have the doctors orders. It’s a bit tricky with ins that way so be aware. Most won’t accept ins so it goes towards out of network deductible. Good luck!

If you have only high red cell counts, be sure you have been checked for hemochromatosis and sleep apnea. Those 2 conditions can raise red cells and both carry a number of other health problems with them. A serum ferritin level can be ordered by your PCP and a sleep study or nighttime pulse oximetry can screen for sleep apnea.

Hi have Erythrocytosis or just polycythemia. So hopefully my oncologist checked for Hemochromatosis and I sleep ok and apnea is not an issue married for 36 years same girl. She would know if I stopped breathing during the night. I get phlebotomies now too often as my Hemotocrit never gets below 45 and I’m on a testosterone gel which also makes it climb. Uhg

Best

Jim