Bloods spike

[Hughesf]

So because of covid not seen a hematology doctor or had blood test since march..

So bloods last week and Doctor called red count has spiked so hydrea 500 increased to double for 8 weeks

So hope for a good result

Frank

[hunter5582]

That seems a bit odd. Most people have been doing at least minimal monitoring with labs even during COVID. Virtual visits with docs never stopped when needed. I did many a tele-video visit.

If only your RBCs are up, did you discuss doing a venesection?

All the best.

[Andrew8]

Sept 2021 (Age 73, living in Wales)

I was diagnosed with ET 5 years ago, and put on hydroxy, after 6 months I was experiencing extreme fatigue , after about 3 months I was changed to anagrilide, but the fatigue continued, and the my GP found I had AF ( which is a known side effect of Hydroxy ) so have been on cardio drugs ever since, and had several cardioversions, but still had some fatigue episodes. After another BMB ( think was instigated by my thorough cardiologist ) was re-diagnosed with MF, so changed to Jakavi Ruxolitinib, platelets keep to about 500, but did have an episode of shingles symptoms ( known side effect ) still got rash but controlled with Aloe Vera gel. Also had pneumonia but not serious. I was on rivaoxiban for heart blood thinner, but had massive bruising episodes so changed to warfarin, and INR checked about every 6 weeks. However after some Dr Google searches realised magnesium deficiency ( not easily diagnosed ) could be due to the medications, so have been taking magnesium supplements, and fatigue has been much less.

November 2021

AF still under control, and can do some outside work for about 2 ½ hours, ( gardening and maintenance ) rest for 2 hours then can do some more. Don’t get breathless unless trying to do too much. Now had 3 Covid jabs (2 Astra and 1 Phizer ) no side effects.

Take a jar of my own honey to consultations, never have any problems getting appointments, and always remembered by name.