Polycytheamia ?

[James53]

Hi

I have Psoriatic Arthritis- had sulphasalisine and methotrexate but now on Benepali.

Over recent months my haemoglobin has steadily risen from 150 to 183 and pack cell volume to 53.

Rheumy has referred me for kidney scans and to haematology. Suspected Polycythemia.

Anyone on this forum had similar?

Cheers folks

[penelopejane]

Polycythaemia was diagnosed following weight loss and a spell of worse than usual fatigue almost two years ago. So far it has been controlled by daily aspirin 75 mg and venesection (blood letting similar to giving blood) every 2-3 months. My haemoglobin concentration is kept below 140 red cell count hovers around 5. Not sure what you mean by packed cell volume. My haematologist phones me every 2 months. I quite enjoy this attention.

I have had Rhuematoid disease for ten years. This is fairly well controlled by methotrexate and humira. The specialists can give no reason for the polycythaemia. Could be just bad luck. It seem many of us with rhuematoid or autoimmune diseases get further diseases.

Hey ho keep your chin up.

I would recommend Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research website for more info.

[James53 in reply to penelopejane]

Hi

Many thanks.

It was the Rheumy that mention "pack cell volume". It seems to be a measurement of the concentration of red cells.

I will no doubt get more info as tests progress. Cheers