First haematology appointment cancelled!

[Poppet2518]

Hi all,

Having received an appointment for 25/03. My gp had told me that the haematology dept no longer need to see me! Apparently I only have slight increase in haemoglogin, it’s 17. And I’ve increased haemocrit which has been increasing over time, so no need for further tests! As I’m a smoker, he thinks this is the reason for the increase. Thank you all for your advice. 😊

[Aime]

Hi, sorry to hear that as I know you were anxious about it. To make sure you have no concerns in the future, I would ask your gp to check your bloods in a few months to ensure they are ok and of course try to stop smoking - easier said than done, I know.

All the best, kind regards Aime xx😻😻

[Poppet2518 in reply to Aime]

Thank you Aimee x

[Applesnpears]

Hi, I guess its good news but you need to make sure that you get your blood counts checked periodically. A rising trend in haematocrit needs attention.

Perhaps treat the experience as a health scare that will be the trigger for you to stop smoking - its an extra risk factor for catching Covid-19 and it increases the chances of severe illness if you do catch it.

Remember vaping can increase your haematocrit as well and has similar Covid-19 concerns.

Good luck and don't forget to pop back and see us!

[Poppet2518 in reply to Applesnpears]

Thank you applesnpears. All of you have given such helpful and true advice x

[hunter5582]

Please do stop smoking. My daughter, who does have JAK2+ ET, has seen elevated HGB. She is a smoker. It is critical that she stop smoking for a host of reasons. My ET progressed to PV after about 25 years of having a MPN. Hopefully her HGB and HCT will come back down after she quits the nasty smoking habit. Would rather she did not see the same progression I experienced at her current age.

I do appreciate how hard it is to quit. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin. Nicotine withdrawal can be as hard as opioid withdrawal. Do be sure to get some help quitting as it is not easy.

All the best.

[Poppet2518 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you hunter, I know you are right! I definitely know I will need some help to quit x