Bloods in Portugal

[Sand-Dancer]

Well, here I am in sunny Portugal sitting in a clinic waiting to have my bloods done. I do this every so often and scan the results over to my specialist nurse. Next time it will be in the UK.

Wish me luck with my pigeon Portuguese 😀

Lesley x

[Aime]

Hi Lesley, I'm here in damp Scotland! Enjoy your break in the sun.xxAime😺😺

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Aime]

Hi Aime. We lived on the Borders of Scotland until a couple of years ago - where are you? We now have a place on Tyneside but also a place here on the Algarve. Best of both worlds 😀

[Aime in reply to Sand-Dancer]

Hi Lesley, I stay in the north east in Elgin between Inverness and Aberdeen.xAime😺😺

[Inca]

Good Luck with the bloods! Just had mine done ,got results in sunny Southern France!Would you believe I am low on Vitamin D and must now take it every day!!!Of course we have to cover up and stay out of the sun........we are between a rock and a hard place!!! Best to you Sally

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Inca]

No way Sally! Vitamin D deficiency in the South of France?

I don't stay out of the sun. I do use good protection however but if I listened to all the information I get and take it ALL to heart I would not enjoy my life as much as I do now!

Everything in moderation is my motto - oh and nice wine and relaxation 😀

[Inca]

I do agree,life in a warm climate is so good.However,in spite of protective sun block,I still had the carcinoma on my face that required major surgery.....the very draconian lady Dermatologiste told me that if you are taking Hydrea ,which I am,one should cover totally and never be exposed to sun.......she has scared me,today is fabulous ,I would love to relax in the warmth,but I dare not.Sure you are right ,carry on ,enjoy sun etc...apero s. on warm evenings ,dining outside.......oh dear making myself miserable,huge sun hat coming up !!!!

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Inca]

Sally I've just been thinking. The Australians formulated a sunscreen that allows vitamin D through but keeps out the harmful rays. It's called Solar D and it can be bought online .

I think I should try it too. What do you think?

solar-d.com/

Lesley x

[Inca in reply to Sand-Dancer]

Thank you Lesley for that info,I have been dreading the summer and having to cover up......will google it and hopefully get some.I have been on a high dose of Hydrea for a while as H C T is high,sure that was cause of my carcinoma.I am an 'outside' person,have been all my life,not a mad sun bather tho ,most Brits I know stake out by their pools for hours,the French keep in the shade or indoors with shutters closed!!!! So I have a 'why me' head on just now. I see you are blonde me too,been told more risk with 'English' skin. Take care tho,believe me having your face cut up is real misery. I am also from North U K originally.....no sun there ! Best to you and thanks.xx

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Inca]

Oooh where? Tyneside?

What is your Hydrea dose? Mine is 2 x 500 a day.

L x

[Inca in reply to Sand-Dancer]

North Yorkshire....I am 3-2-3 alternate days,6months now.coped well enough with 2,the extra just makes me unwell often.See consultant in couple of weeks ,see what is to do then,have a stent done just after P V diagnosis,so Meds for that.....too much poison !!! Sallyx

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Inca]

I know what you mean. I've been on Hydroxycarbomide for five years now. I am interested to know more about other medication but at least this one works for me. My hematocrit was 36 yesterday. Best ever! L x

[Sand-Dancer]

My GP and my specialist nurse know I live in portugal for a few months at a time and although I am on Hydrea neither have mentioned the sun.

I can understand if you've had a carcinoma on your face however.

I do use stronger protection on my face but how do you manage to stay out of the sun completely?

L x

[francesb]

Hi, I was on Hydroxy for two years and told very firmly that it was essential not to be in the sun without totally covering up, long sleeves, hat etc., sitting in the shade and putting factor 50 on any exposed areas (face, hands) due to the increased risk of skin cancer from the Hydroxy. It was a pain! I envy you ladies in the warm sun, it seems a long time since we saw any here in Cornwall. Best wishes, Frances.

[Inca]

Hi Frances,Are you on another drug now? Good you were warned of sun exposure and Hydroxy,not enough warnings normally it seems.We were in Devon some years,like Cornwall it never stops raining does it !!!!Very Best,Sally

[francesb in reply to Inca]

Hi Sally, yes I'm on Pegasys now, the Hydroxy side effects just got worse and worse so had to stop it. Hoping the Peg will do the trick so far it's holding counts steady but not reducing them yet and side effects minimal. Good luck with your consultant visit, best wishes, Frances

[Jawas]

Boa sorte. Mantenha-se fora do sol

[Sand-Dancer in reply to Jawas]

Obrigada Jawas x