Not sure what to do, or if I should be worrying.

[DanCole3]

Hi there,

I haven't been diagnosed with anything but have been sick for over a year with various symptoms, mostly pain in head, chest and abdomen. Also a lot of general symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, light headed etc.

Initially I was referred to a gastroenterologist and had a colonoscopy, I think they were ruling out chrons disease. They found mild inflammation and said it's likely I have Ibs. I have tried treating this but nothing has worked.

More recently I had a blood test after complaining of symptoms and they found I had a slightly underactive thyroid. They said it's normal for results to show up this way every now and then. Wasn't offered anything. nothing changed.

Complained about symptoms again recently and had another blood test. Was contacted to have my bloods rechecked this week and my doctor is saying he suspects I have a viral infection due to the blood report saying "Neutrophils appear left shifted with occasional activated lymphocyte. This doesn't really make sense as I have been feeling symptoms for well over a year so surely I would know if it was a viral infection.

There is a note on my blood tests from the lab report saying check for Polycthaemia. Doctor didn't mention this but after googling and finding I have similar symptoms I was a little concerned.

My blood results are:

HGB: 192 range 130-180

RBC: 6.13 range 4.5-6.0

HCT: 0.538 range 0.4-0.52

I am 27, male, don't drink, smoke 15 a day for 8 years, Asthma and rhinitis. Any advice on what I should do as I feel my doctor is doing nothing and I just want some relief from symptoms. I have codeine for pain but I hate taking it as it tenfolds my fatigue.

[jane13]

sounds quite complex but ...hate to say it..... if u have secondary polycythaemia (thick blood as in your raised HCT, fatigue) the answer is probably to stop smoking....good luck

[Ednama]

With you feeling poorly for so long and your blood results out of normal range, I would insist you see a haematologist asap.

[tracey13]

Your hct is high it. My husband has polycthamenia his hct should be 0.45

It does creep up to 0.51 but that's the top end of the scale.

[DanCole3]

Thanks for the reply folks, I'm going to see the doc again next week and if I don't get any further help I might go private. Whilst I have been suffering with these symptoms for over a year I can usually get on with life but these last few months have been dreadful!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi DanCole3, sorry to hear that you are having these problems, the best thing to do is ask your doctor to explain about the 'check for polycythaemia' on the blood request form and if any results show that you could possibly have a PV, and if it is suspected you should be referred to a haematologist. Maz

[Aime]

Hi Dan, definitely ask for a referral to a haematologist but don't be over anxious because there are a lot of us on this forum who have had polycythaemia for years. As long as it is monitored you will be fine, it is alarming at the beginning with the variety of tests until you get to a more stable point. This forum is one of the "musts" if you have polycythaemia as it is closely monitored by Maz and her team and we all support one another and do truly understand what you and your family are going through.

Also visit the MPN Voice website which has trustworthy information on all these conditions. When you visit your GP go armed with your questions and insist on getting answers.

Don't waste time worrying, visit your GP ask your questions and ask for a referral. Once you start getting treatment you will feel better.

Kindest regards Aime x😺😺