For some reason my hemoglobin count has gone up. I've been on hydroxycarbamide four days a week for a couple of years yet I've now got too many red blood cells.
As a result I'm having venesection tomorrow.
Anyone else get a spike in their blood cell levels from time to time?
Hi Mark
Yes, it can happen. No idea why, except that our bodies are complex organisms and presumably there are all sorts of effects and reactions between different systems. In my experience though it can be just a spike and go back quickly - which doesn't mean that it doesn't need treatment as obviously too high counts up our risk factors for clotting, and whilst venesection isn't everyone's favourite activity it is a fairly benign treatment.
Hope it goes well and you are back to your normal soon.
best wishes Fee
Hi Mark,
It is not unusual for red cell count to rise while on drugs that keep it within range. I can usually tell when its too high as I get a particular type of headache. My red counts are kept to 42 so in the 11 years on Interferon if I hit that number I have a venesection. Pressure in head goes after it. It has happened a couple of times a year. Its a good plan to keep a record of your counts, HCT HGB PLTS WBC and the others too if you wish. Then you can see where it settles and when it rises. I put mine on a Excel spread sheet. Recently someone posted a web site/app that you could enter them on. A piece of paper works fine too! Since the venesection is doing the job of the drugs you may wish to discuss the Hydrea dose with the Haem. Good luck with the venesection. drink lots beforehand and no beer afterwards!!
Mairead
Hi mark,
I have had Et now for 30 years and the first 10 I did not require venesections but now have about 4 to 6 a year depending on the result of the Blood test which i have every 8 weeks.
As I gave blood for the previous 20 years it was not any different techniques to that, other than now they just incinerate my blood.
all the best Town crier
Yes, I had hub spikes for years and often had venesections. Has the consultant considered increasing your HU? Best wishes,
I will be interesting to see what difference one capsule makes. Go well.
They originally had me on one per day but that was too aggressive and reduced my counts too much, so I was then put on mon-fri, but that was still too string. On the current number I miss Wednesday's but I've now been told to take one on that day as well.
So we'll see how it goes 
First posting
Uncuffed blood test
First time taking hydrea
Raised mcv
First venesection - symptom query
