Leaches and bleeding

[DannyBoy1]

My latest blood work came back today and confirm I "still" have APS. My hemo Doc was a bit surprised. He/we discussed the benefit of the occasional blood letting to lower my red count. Has anyone else heard of this???

[Yllek]

Hi

I haven't heard of this but your post made me mad !! Your haematologist doesn't sound very knowledgable on APS. I read a few of your older posts and see - like many - you fluctuate from positive to negative. Why is it I'm not a doctor but can tell you with certainty that you have APS!! It's a good job with have a community like this to speak to each other and ask questions.

I do hope your haematologist will understand more and you get the care you deserve.

Keep well

Kelly x

[MaryF Administrator]

I have certainly not heard of this!! MaryF

[Puska]

'Blood letting' is done for Hemochromatosis to reduce Hb. Perhaps you have this also?

[Lure2]

Yes and APS never goes away. Your Doctor

[beccafullcircle in reply to Lure2]

I agree....it does not go away. Doctors that are knowledgeable understand that it goes negative sometimes but does not leave. Major life threatening mistakes have been made by going off blood thinners in this error of thinking it is gone. Once diagnosed it is there. Best of blessing Dannyboy

[DannyBoy1 in reply to beccafullcircle]

Thanks Sis.

Just to clarify, my Medic was not proposing taking me off Coumadin. He just wanted to further thin my blood by draining off a pint or two on occasion. The husband to his nurse says that he does it a few time a year for his APS symptoms. Apparently it relieves the headaches!

[Hughes-Comrade]

Is your HCT aka "Hematicrit" high? The answer would be on your CBC. That would be a reason to have a phlebotomy now and then.

[DannyBoy1 in reply to Hughes-Comrade]

Yes, that is the measurement we were discussing.

[Hughes-Comrade in reply to DannyBoy1]

The Hematocrit measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume (red blood cells and plasma).

A Hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body's organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs.

My apologies, nowhere did I see Hematocrit mentioned above.

[Debbweb01]

U may have polycythemia Vera too as I do! I use to be bloood letter 2x a month! It helps!