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I have had PV for almost eight years, and have had only half a dozen phlebotomies--necessary only when my hematocrit is 45% or above. The process is nothing to be afraid of, like donating a pint of blood if you've ever done that. It usually takes up to an hour, because a certain amount of normal saline is run through afterwards to clear the vein.
i had it for years , even 2 short after another to try and slow the production
Not having any more phlebotomies is generally a good thing. Whenever your Dr. orders a procedure, changes your dosage, etc., they should explain to you what they are doing, and why. I write down what they tell me and then keep a notebook at home, because every once in awhile something gets missed. It is important for us to understand the what and why’s, look at our own labs and other test results, and to ask questions about anything we don’t understand. All the best to you,
That's a really important question to bring up with your hematologist, but here's some helpful context to guide that conversation.
Hydroxycarbamide (also known as Hydroxyurea) is a cytoreductive medication that slows down how many blood cells your bone marrow produces. It's typically recommended for people in the high-risk Show Full Answer
I ttook Hydroxurea for about 15 years and need phlebotomies frequently in the last 5 of those. After a few rounds of Ojjaara and Jakafi, I am off those and back on a daily dose of Hydroxurea. Just had a phlebotomy a couple of weeks ago. HCT was at 49.5. When it gets about 43 for me I get uncontrolled HBP and other issues so I know when it is time. No other control for PV/ While on Jakafi I didn't need any but I get anemic on it.
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