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Newly diagnosed with “Thick Blood”. Should I be concerned?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Dec 27, 2020 | Replies (9)Comment receiving replies
@colleenyoung thank you for this really helpful information. It does does sound like my doctor may have been referring to this, and it’s at least worth asking more questions and making sure the lab work he was looking at gets before the Mayo doctors for discussion. Even if I don’t have PV, it would be nice to know if abnormally high levels of red blood cells and a high hematocrit might turn into something like Polycythemia Vera later, and if there is anything we can do to prevent this.
Replies to "@colleenyoung thank you for this really helpful information. It does does sound like my doctor may..."
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Hello @faithgirl30 I am a volunteer mentor here at Connect and am impressed at how well you are wading through this crazy medical experience. It seems like you have received adequate information and support for the moment. Good luck with upcoming appointment and preparation. It was such a positive to know how well you are preparing for this appointment. I would like to add one thought that has been sometimes overlooked as people prepare. It is normal for us to try to make decisions about what the doctors need or want to hear. I suggest organizing history as you are doing, then put it out there for the doctors to make that decision. They are very good at asking questions that might eventually draw that information out. But giving it to them as they form their thoughts and questions can be very helpful. I hope that you get back to us as you can be helpful to others on this pathway.
Peace, Nancy