Just starting this journey - EPO Count 2
Hello,
I met with my doctor last week and we did a CBC. Here is what it came back with. Last November my numbers were a little higher than this and they told me it was dehydration, it came down due to the amount of water and then went back up. Here I am again. I advocated with the EPO test last Wednesday and it came back on Friday with an EPO of 2.
RBC: 5.4
HGB: 17.0 Has been higher
HCT: 50.1% has been higher
EPO: 2
Lost 12 pounds in two months. NOPE Don't need to lose the weight, overall lost 20 in 5 months so not bad. I am 5'10, I cannot afford to lose any more weight. Not obese, actually underweight. UGHHHH
No Current Meds besides albuterol for my lovely lungs and estrogen due to a hysterectomy 20 years ago.
Also, I have a high blood pressure that they could not figure out why my bottom number sat over a 100 for months - hence the high blood pressure, so I cut out the caffeine and it dropped due to that. Not on any high blood pressure meds. Basically my BP went to 156/112 then came down. Its not astronomically high, never hit the 200s, but the buttom number has hit 120s a couple of times, but has been sitting around the 80s and 90s then jumps, then comes the chest pain with that. Then I know it jumped up again. Top number two weeks ago was 136 and bottom was 104.
Today: I have counted 26 new small bruises today that love to appear on my body for no apparent reason and its been a pretty draining day, sometimes its like an abstract artist living in my body coming out to play. Sorry for the sarcasm, but I am tired.
I actively exercise, been fighting fatigued for a couple of years but my blood work started acting up 10 months ago after I came back from the Mountains for 3.5 months. BUT, I have also had deep leg pain in my right hip, thigh and calf area for about over a good year, they couldn't figure it out. I told my doctors, my bones hurt when it comes on. They are like how do they hurt, I said they hurt on the inside. So, I just chalked it up to my defense leg when I use to do Martial Arts and receive cortisone shot in my right hip.
Next, Friday I am meeting with a Doctor in St. Paul, MN at the Cancer Center for a consultation. I hope I can finally get a diagnoses on this. I do not have any rheumatoid arthritis markers, I have duplex kidney system on the right kidney, they are working as normal. I am sick of the bruises, the high blood pressure, the brain fog, the lightheadnesses etc etc. Just wondering, if I should not just go to the Mayo since one the Lead Doctors on this works there. Any advice?
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Hi @kaya1027. I had no idea blood could be so complicated until my own adventure a few years ago. So I completely empthaize with you on trying to find answers to your low EPO and high red blood counts/hematocrit, and some of the related symptoms.
You should be off to a good start with your upcoming consult with the hematologist at the Cancer Center in St Paul. There most likely will be some testing ordered which may help get to the bottom of the issue.
Certainly, you’re welcome to seek a second opinion at Mayo. It sounds like you’re in Minnesota so Rochester isn’t far from the Twin Cities. However, you may find that your current doctor will be able to assist you. If you are interested in requesting an appt at Mayo, here is a link to their home page where you can initiate the request. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Will you please let me know what you find out with your visit?
Hello Lori,
Thank you for the response. I appreciate it. I have a call with Mayo today at 12:45 PM which surprised me but I am welcome the quickness of it. I will definitely let you know as soon as the next step in the journey happens.
Thank you again!