What does it mean when your red blood cells result is high? Is it connected to taking MTX and/or hydroxychloroquine?
Not sure what this result means and what will need to be done to rectify it.
Just another day in the life of yet another medical mystery!!!!
Jan
It's not something that is on the list of 'usual suspects' connected to DMARDs.
Did whoever gave you the result give you any advice? I think, if in doubt, speak to your GP or rheumatology nurse (if you have one.)
It was the phlebotomist at my surgery, I asked for the results of my bloods from last months test as I'm now going back to 2 weekly tests as they've increased the MTX, as I wasn't given a book to record these in she just compared the last 2 months and that's all she said was different. I had a test Thursday, but no one has called to say there's a problem, so I assume everything is ok. Thanks for your help.
Jan
Are you talking about your red cell count or the percentage[ PCV or haematocrit. If it is the percentage, then you are probably just dehydrated The actual number of red cells will not increase above normal without hormonal stimulation [EPO] but if you were anaemic due to RA then your numbers will increase again as the condition comes under control but won't go above normal. Speak to your rheumatology medics to answer the question in reference to you as an individual.
HTH?
Not really sure she just said it was higher than the normal range of 12-14 and mine was 16, not much higher I know, just wondered what causes it and what it dose to my system. Probably nothing to worry about as I'm sure someone would have contacted me. Just curious that's all.
Jan
I how long have your RBC been elevated? I thought DMARDs were more likely to suppress your bone marrow and cause use anaemia and leukopenia. Wait and see what your dr says.
From the last two monthly blood tests, so not long. Had another test Thursdsy, so wait and see what that reveals. It's just that I take so many meds for so many problems I wondered if it could be that, or is there something else going on. Will get to the bottom of it I'm sure. Thanks for your reply.
Jan
I don't know what it means Jan but I get it often - almost always in fact. My PVC and MCV (?) and RBCs are always at the very highest end of normal range or about five or more points over. I once asked my GP ages ago what this meant and he said possible sticky blood or dehydration (I drink a lot of water though) and inflammation.
I don't know what it means but can someone explain "sticky blood" please I've heard this referred too but no one has explained it and I had a DVT and PE's last year.
Do you take blood thinners now - aspirin or clopidogrel or something along those lines? I have too many platelets - the blood cells that clot when you get a cut and stop you bleeding. Thankfully I've never had any issues such as DVTs or strokes but I am at higher risk of such a thing.
Hi Shazzer, this is the first time I've been told about this, not seen doctor or anyone so no more meds as of yet. Thanks for your reply.
Jan
Hi Medway-lady. I believe this is one of the main symptoms of Hughes Syndrome - an autoimmune blood clotting/ sticky blood disorder. My new rheumatologist tested me for this a month ago using the Lupus Anticoagulant test. I suspect it will be negative as I haven't heard anything from him since.
Your rheumatologist should be the one who looks out for this based on your past history of dvt and pe. You may need to flag it up with them if they haven't already tested you for Hughes/ APS. There is an HU community for this condition so you could ask on there too. I think the main treatments are Aspirin or Warfarin which you may already be on anyway.
I'm on Riveroxaban the new drug, so no Warfarin. I was just told last year we have the means to control the condition so no need to do any more tests till next year. I suppose thats right in a way, it won't change it and they said Riveroxaban for life and it has no side effects so its a great medication. The worst thing is that because of the Riveroxaban the use of RA meds is limited as they interact. The RA consultant and the Haemo discussed this and said that no more Meloxicam just the MTX. Its so complex......
I know - one drug seeks to lead to another just as one autoimmune disease does too. Exhausting and I've decided to try and ignore my symptoms until I can't! I will look up Riveroxiban as I've never heard of it before. X
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