Do my blood test results indicate polycythemia?

[HeatherS-UK]

My blood results have finally been given to me. I have been diagnosed with copd but have had other symptoms for the last 5 years.

The results were

MCH 32.2pg

PCV 0.53

RBC 5.65

Haemoglobin estimation 182g.

Does anyone else have polycythemia and how does the blood results compare please?

[Aime]

Hi Heather

I am not a medic so I will leave them to answer your question but hope I can offer you some reassurance. I have polycythaemia vera, I am 55 year old female. I was only diagnosed last year so know how frightening and worrying it can be - especially at the beginning when you don't have definite answers. Mine was eventually diagnosed as polycythaemia after a blood cell mass test which involves injection of radioactive isotopes followed by blood tests. I was told I definitely had too many red blood cells in proportion to the rest of the fluids which make up blood. Then I went through tests to eliminate secondary polycthaemia (i.e. caused by something else like a cyst, etc.). I quite recently got the results of a ct scan and the haematologist assures me there is no known reason for my illness, just that bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. There is also a gene mutation test called Jak2 - most people with polycythaemia are positive but guess what, I am in 5% approx who are negative but still have the disease.

I hope all this makes sense but I know some of the more experienced in the forum or Maz will help you with your query re your results. You will get the support and advice here which has been a godsend to me many a time. Best wishes, take care Aime

[Aime]

Heather, sorry I meant to say if you go on the MPD website you will get good information there on polycythaemia. Best Wishes Aime