Hi @kittycatgirl Basically, Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. With a therapeutic phlebotomy the same technique is used as when you have a blood test. Except more blood is taken to relieve the over abundance of red blood cells you have in your body.

I found some current discussions from other members who have had phlebotomies as part of their PV treatment. It shouldn’t be painful.
Some members have found it beneficial to be well hydrated started a few days before the phlebotomy. And also, it can be helpful to ask for a Saline IV chaser to restore the fluid loss.
Listed below are links to member discussions.

~Your tips as I prepare for first phlebotomy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/feb-9-first-phlebolotomy-iron-is-low/

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@buckaroobanzai also gathered tips in this related discussion that you may be interested in, including about hydration:
– Weak After Phlebotomy to Treat Polycythemia: How to Improve Recovery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weak-after-phlebotomy/

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Also tossing in this article on Phlebotomies if you’d like to read a little more about the whys and hows…

When is your first hematology appointment?