high red and white blood count?

Allergies, blood and immune system
1

I've been to see consultant with high red and white cells. Don't no exact readings but got lots of blood taken including a test fir the jak2 gene. The nurse had a problem getting my blood as it was thick. I don't go back to consultant until end of September so I'm a bit worried. Can anyone give advice

2

Hello Moira, Are you in UK? If you are, have you been given a contact at the hospital with whom you can liaise? This person, a nurse, will be able to fill you in on your blood test results. The consultants are generally busy doing "stuff" and your questions can be answered by this contact person.

Once you have your readings you will be in a better position to ask questions here, although we aren't medically qualified.

Look forward to hearing more.

3

Nope just been told to back to the hemotlogist in September. And in the meantime to get ultrasound on kidneys and spleen on 21st aug. Nothing other than that

4

I'm in scotland

5

In tgat case, I would recommend you go to your GP for a chat. There may well be communication between the hospital and your GP.

If your blood was very thick, it may be that your GP can suggest you take baby aspirin until your next hospital appointment. It is worth trying to see if the GP kniws more than you do.

6

Thanks Angela got an appointment with Dr. this afternoon. See if i can get more info then

7

Hello Moira,

You will find that once you have visited your Haematologist and undertaken certain tests needed things will soon move along with any diagnosis and treatment for your ailment.  Angela offers some very practical advice which will help you in the meantime.  I wish you well and hope your news will be successful.

Peter.

8

Thanks Peter. I've had all the blood tests. Go for ultrasound next week. Then back to haematologist in September. Haemotologist has stressed i have to stop smoking so haven't had one in 5 weeks. Hopefully this will help

9

Hello Moira,

It does not surprise me that your Haematologist has highlighted smoking as a problem as it is now often represented as one of the contributory causes of PV.  The ultrasound test is probably to ascertain the condition of your spleen which is intertwined with your red cell activities and an important part of your blood system.  Sounds like you are making good progress with your testing and it should not be too long now before you get the results needed.  All will be revealed in due course.  Best wishes.

Peter.

10

Thank you Peter

11

Hi Peter can smoking be the cause of polycythemia and if i keep of the cigs could it go away

12

Hi Moira,

Thanks for your message.  In my view smoking will not of itself cause Polycythemia but it is considered a contributory factor.  Until about 12 years ago little was known about its origins but following some research the cause was identified as a defective gene (JAK2) at birth.  Since then further research has increased knowledge of the disease and today the treatments have improved but no absolute cure.  If any cure is available it may be via stem-cell transplants but again, this is not without some very strong risks.  Only specialist doctors will consider this and I have not heard of anyone undergoing this treatment in UK.  It is a high risk strategy for them to consider.  PV is caused by the over production of red cells in the blood and is generally treated by the Haematologists with recognised and proven treatments.  The over-production of the red cells is a predominant cause of thickening blood and this is normally treated by the doctors.  It is the tests that you undertake with your blood that determines the treatment you are offered.  Smoking can adversely affect the red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body so that any organs (e.g. heart, kidney, liver, spleen) that rely on an efficient blood circulation can become distressed and give rise to problems.  Therefore any patient that smokes will be expected to stop the habit in their own interests.  PV will not go away whether you smoke or not.  It is a very serious and rare disorder that requires ongoing treatment.  It should not be considered lightly.  Should you wish to learn more I would recommend some medical booklets on PV available from your local NHS hospital.  I am not a medical expert but merely someone that has suffered PV over many years, like others on this forum.  The disorder is variable in nature and can develop into other MPN disorders.  That is the group under which PV is classified.  Your haematologist will always be able to deal with any medical queries that may trouble you.  I wish you good luck for the future.