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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
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.
Replies to "If I remember, you had recent labs too, besides the phlebotomy. How were your numbers this..."
I've never heard of a Saline IV chaser, good to know so I can ask if needed. I was just diagnosed in April, had 3 phlebotomies in 3 weeks and one in 2 weeks and now I'm waiting a month since my hemo was at 12. something at the last draw.
I was completely wiped for days but it appears it was the smoke from Canadian fires that did me in.
As I stated, the nurse did not offer the saline chaser, but I was so anxious to get that pipe needle out of my arm, I don't think I would have sat still for the chaser. Also, although the goal was to get 450 in blood, she barely was able to get 400 before I called uncle! And it took forever to get to that point. I can remember when I donated regularly that the bag would fill quicker than the phlebotomist could turn around. So it would appear that things are progressing. Hoping to hear from Mayo Clinic soon.
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No the nurse did not offer a saline chaser. My red cell numbers were elevated hence the earlier schedule. I have requested a visit to the Mayo Clinic even though it is a distance from me. I hope to get some answers thru that visit.
In the interim, it appear I will also enjoy shoulder replacement surgery.
Getting older is not for sissies.