High Red blood cell count

[Poppet2518]

Hello all

I’m new on here and not diagnosed with PV. My GP has referred me to a haematologist as I have a high RBC that apparently has been creeping up for a while. I don’t know what the count is but I think it’s not alarming. I do smoke but have no breathing issues. Also the doctor says my platelets are normal. The only weird symptoms I have are: night sweats, mild headache, and insomnia caused by an irritating leg restlessness! I know we can’t diagnose ourselves but am I right in thinking if my platelets are normal, it’s not likely to be PV?? My dad has ET, he was diagnosed at 78. I’m 51. Any feedback would be great. Thanks 😊

[Applesnpears]

Platelets are not normally raised with PV.

Smoking will increase your RBC and poor sleep may also contribute.

Your appointment with a haematologist will help clarify matters. Try to get details of your blood counts.

[Poppet2518 in reply to Applesnpears]

Thank you 😊

[Manouche]

Platelets are raised on about 50% of PV. You need to have the JAK2 test to make sure it’s a PV. The test is reliable at 95%.

[Poppet2518 in reply to Manouche]

Thank you 👍 I’ve no itching or red hands, so don’t seem to have typical pv symptoms. But I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if the Haematologist recommends the JAK2 test... I know it’s pathetic, but right now , all I’m worried about is the prospect of more blood tests, as I have a severe phobia of needles puncturing veins and tend to pass out and vomit which is so embarrassing 😳🤢

[Applesnpears in reply to Poppet2518]

The itching and red hands can be symptoms of PV but are not experienced by everyone. Many people are diagnosed with PV without any external symptoms.

Quite often the patient has some blood tests for some unrelated illness or routine check. The PV diagnosis comes as an unpleasant surprise.

[Poppet2518 in reply to Applesnpears]

Thank you for your advice😊 I’ll keep you posted, and I’m sure I’ll have more questions!

[Manouche in reply to Poppet2518]

Don’t worry about needles, you won’t feel any pain with emlapatches !

emla.com.au/how-to-apply-em...

[Poppet2518 in reply to Manouche]

Thanks Manouche, what are emlapatches?! To be honest it’s not pain that worries me, it’s the thought of a needle puncturing a vein. Last blood test I had, I passed out twice and was sick🤢😳. Very embarrassing

[Manouche in reply to Poppet2518]

They are local anesthetics. You’ll hardly feel the vein being punctured.

[Poppet2518 in reply to Manouche]

👍👍