Mystery high HTC and hemoglobin

[Notlikecandy]

Hi new here

My husband is 59. We live in USA.Smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. 1 year ago this all started when he became flush in face and Shakey hands.Took him to hospital fearing a heart attack. They found nothing except that his hemocrite was 58 and his hemoglobin was 21.3. they referred him to a oncologist /hematologist at cancer center. Doctor started phlibotomy day 1. And husband had to get a jak2 test and bmb.Bone marrow biopsy. Both negative. So PV was ruled out. Doctor stopped the venisection phlibotomy s. They did get numbers more normal but doctor said since he smokes didn't want to keep taking blood because he needed more red blood cells to make oxygen.

So then we started with the VA.veterans health care system as my husband was in navy. Doc has done a CT lung scan .No cancer thank God. Also iron was 175. Now 80. Negative for hemotochromotosis or however u spell that. This oncologist doc is doing bi weekly phlibotomy taking 300. Out a small bag of blood. So far numbers still high . But my husband feels good! Not flushing since July 2018. His bone marrow biopsy did say check for mastatois mastiatosis ? Something about histamine allergies? But all doctors say no symptoms. So they say it's not that. So here we are. I'm scared it's a hidden cancer. He has lots of red blood cells and mast cells. He has psoriasis on legs..right now controlled by topical cream meds so itch stopped and scales. I keep wondering if psoriasis connection to this nightmare. It's 2019. All answers welcomed and your levels. Oh and his Trypase level is 55. Doc said should not be over 11 !!

[hall2]

I think he needs to give up smoking as soon as possible as it can be the cause of many problems!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi, sorry to hear this about your husband, but it might be best to discuss this with the doctor if they have ruled out him having a MPN - PV - it could be that the blood counts are due to his smoking which can cause secondary PV which is not a blood cancer, this might help you

nhs.uk/conditions/polycytha...

[Notlikecandy in reply to Mazcd]

Thank

[Notlikecandy1 in reply to Mazcd]

I hope its just from smoking...he has cut back alot

[hunter5582]

Definitely time to give up smoking. I did and it really does make you feel better. If you already have one type of cancer (MPN) then it does not pay to push your luck. You did not mention where you live. Folks who live at higher elevation can also see a bump up in some blood numbers. What you describe sounds like some form of MPN, perhaps a secondary condition or something atypical. It turns out that not all hematologists are knowledgeable about MPNS. Finding a doc with this sub-specialty can be really important. Here is one resource mpnforum.com/list-hem/ . All the best to you both.

[Notlikecandy1 in reply to hunter5582]

We live in usa nothcarolina. .not highelevation

[Andra13]

I still smoke I know i shouldn’t