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Weak After Phlebotomy to Treat Polycythemia: How to Improve Recovery?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jun 14, 2023 | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
I have been having phlebotomy for about 3 years now every 3 months. But recently, I had one at the 8 week mark instead with my hematocrit hit 50. It was beyond difficult finding a vein to do the procedure. I know I am not dehydrated since I always have water or gatorade with me. Now my arm is sore, black and blue. And as usual, wiped out. Sure hoping this isn't the new normal.
And on an aside, my BP has dropped from my normal of 130/80 to 100/70. Quite a bit dizzy.
I'm not liking this new normal.
Replies to "I have been having phlebotomy for about 3 years now every 3 months. But recently, I..."
Make sure you have your iron and ferritin levels checked.
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If I remember, you had recent labs too, besides the phlebotomy. How were your numbers this time? It does seem that things are changing from 3 years ago with the frequency of your phlebotomies and more pronounced symptoms. Did you have a bone marrow biopsy yet to check the health of your bone marrow? That’s the blood manufacturing center where all the ‘quality control’ takes place. So that might be a good next step for you. I know the oncologist you like has moved…but with your newer symptoms it feels like time to do a little more investigation.
When you had your phlebotomy did you get a saline IV chaser with that? From my understanding, patients have a little faster recovery time.