Regular Blood Tests when Taking Hydroxy

[Connie46]

I'm very new to taking Hydroxy so I think I might be on here asking quite a few questions. Everyone is so helpful in sharing their experiences and information.

When you are taking Hydroxy and have regular blood tests, as well as having a full blood count should you also be having kidney and liver function tests?

Connie

[mhos61]

I just have the full blood count. I did ask at my last appointment if I should be having kidney and liver function and she (specialist nurse) said no. I don't know what others have?

Mary x

[Connie46 in reply to mhos61]

Thank you for your reply. It seems to me that procedures vary according to which hospital you attend.

Regards,

Connie

[Helpatlast]

Hi Connie - I have been on HU for 11 years and yes with each blood test (usually each 6-8 weeks although that varies a lot according to each of us) I have liver, renal and bone profiles too. Think it does depend on depts and hospitals and sometimes funding at various hospitals.

[Connie46 in reply to Helpatlast]

Thank you so much, all this information is invaluable.

Regards,

Connie x

[socrates_8]

Hey Connie...

If you are doing regular FBCs, try to also have a regular cholesterol test, and between them they should show up if you might have a renal or liver function problem. However, just to be safe, have an ultrasound done over a semi-regular basis too,,, It can't hurt.

Best

Steve

(Sydney)

[Connie46]

Thanks Steve, there's a lot to get your head around with this condition.

Regards

Connie

[friendofpiglet]

I was put on Hydroxycarbamide as soon as I was diagnosed and have always had U&E and LFT tests with FBC.

If you weren't on Hydroxycarbamide, I think those tests might be superfluous.

[Connie46]

Thanks for this information

Regards

Connie

[amhann]

Hi Connie, I too have only recently started hydroxy but had my ET diagnosed 2 years ago - I was amazed that the hospital bloods didn't include cholesterol (mine is high + runs through the family) - so I go to my GP every 4-6 months + they d

[amhann]

Ooops hit send by mistake! - I take responsibility for going to my GP every 4-6 months for cholesterol, liver and kidney function (I figured that if I was having ' vein disruption ' it would be an idea not to have cholesterol clogging up things) x

[Connie46]

Thank you amhann. It seems to me that you are taking very wise action.

Connie