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Weak After Phlebotomy to Treat Polycythemia: How to Improve Recovery?

Posted by buckaroobanzai @buckaroobanzai, Aug 31, 2022

My physician ordered monthly therapeutic phlebotomy treatments to treat polycythemia. They knock me flat for at least 48 hours post treatment. What can I do to enhance post treatment recovery? Any recommendations?

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vicanne7 | @vicanne7 | 1 day ago
In reply to @buckaroobanzai "Hello Lori, Thank you for your response. I am a law student, so have no opportunity..." + (show)
Profile picture for buckaroobanzai @buckaroobanzai

Hello Lori,

Thank you for your response. I am a law student, so have no opportunity for guilt-free napping and binge-watching movies. 🙁

Am wondering about a post-treatment saline infusion as a possible immediate solution. Anyone tried that? My phlebotomy sessions are done at the oncology transfusion center, so saline infusion is an option. I will ask the nurse for guidance when I arrive, follow her directions, see how I feel afterwards, and report back.

Oh, and no, my dietician hasn't said anything about a special diet. Is there one?

Again: If anyone here has tried a saline or other transfusion, please give me some feedback.

Thanks!

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@buckaroobanzai

Good morning!
I have been getting phlebotomys for years, so I hope this helps. My oncologist recommended they only take a half a pint at a time because I have Orthostatic Hypotension and it caused my BP to dive when they took a whole pint. Also, they give me IV fluids right after the phlebotomy which has helped me a great deal. I would highly recommend asking the doctor about it. I still have a day or two of weakness etc. but isn’t as bad as before I started this routine. Please take care.

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