Venection help please?

[Ashto70]

I have secondary polycythaemia and would like to know how you manage to get a venesection? I have hormone injections (testosterone every two weeks since 2002) and this means my htc and hgb are over 54% and 20nmols/L respectively all the time.

My GP and haematologist prescribed me aspirin, but it was giving me ulcers. Now they're looking at Warfarin or similar as an alternative. Problem is, I'm always very fatigued and have low levels of concentration.

I asked a GP practice nurse about venesections as an option recently and she couldn't even tell me what one is!

Looking for any advice on how to get this procedure done as drugs alone are hindering not helping my health.

Many thanks everyone. Stay healthy!

Craig

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Craig, you will need to discuss this with your haematologist so he/she can say if it will help and then arrange for you to have it done. Best wishes, Maz

[Wyebird]

Hi, there are alternatives to aspirin. I take clopidogel.

Good luck

[Aime]

Hi Craig, like Maz says it is important you discuss this with your GP or consultant as although we all have MPNs, we are all individuals in respect of other ailments we may have and the meds we already take.

You have a right to ask the questions and get the answers. If you go to the MPN Voice website, Maz and her team have got trustworthy information on it. You can then go armed with more knowledge, asking the questions you need answers to. Write them down in case you have a memory like mine!

Venesections just mean approximately 1 pint of blood is taken off but only your medics can tell you if this is the right treatment for you. In the meantime drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet and exercise when you can but rest if your body needs it.

Take care, keep in touch and update on how you are getting on.

Kind regards Aime xx😺