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+--- Thread: Question about Hematocrit and RBC (/Thread-Question-about-Hematocrit-and-RBC)
Question about Hematocrit and RBC - jhtrader - 10-19-2016
Was wondering what other peoples Hematocrit and RBC readings look like and if their CPAP has helped reduce them or not. My Hematocrit is now 53.2 and my RBC is 6.16. This is how I actually ended up getting diagnosed with sleep apnea over a year ago. First they did cancer screening tests and then the doctor did a sleep study and sure enough I have sleep apnea. I am concerned because my Hematocrit and RBC levels are even higher than they were when they were tested last year (51.1 and 5.82) and it was expected that using the CPAP would have reduced them. I use my CPAP every night religiously and my AHI numbers are generally between 2 and 3. Kind of worried that it might be a bone marrow issue. Would appreciate anyones thoughts or experience with reducing Hematocrit and RBC by using the cpap to control their sleep apnea. Thank you!
RE: Question about Hematocrit and RBC - justMongo - 10-19-2016
First, RBC is not a measured number. It was back in the days when a microscope slide was used to count RBCs in a grid square. Now it's calculated from other measured parameters. And, 6.16 actually means 6.16 million per cubic millimeter.
Hematocrit is measured with a normal range from about 40 to 51 grams per deciliter.
yeah, you're a bit high.
The blood and bone marrow cancers usually show up in the white cells. That's where the name Leukemia derives.
Persons with low hematocrit generally get bone marrow biopsies. They drill a hole in the illiac crest and withdraw a core sample.
Frankly, as long as your doctor is on board, I wouldn't worry about it.
RE: Question about Hematocrit and RBC - jhtrader - 10-19-2016
Thank you. Just got the new blood results emailed to me directly from the lab last night and my doctor's appointment isn't for another 3 weeks so wanted to know if anyone else had these kinds of numbers. Thanks again.
RE: Question about Hematocrit and RBC - Sleeprider - 10-19-2016
My most recent results are 50.4 and 5.41, and I have monitored this since starting TRT. That is just barely on the high side of normal. If your polycythemia is triggered by sleep apnea, it might be helpful to do occasional oxymetry monitoring just to verify your desaturations are under control. Blood donation is another option.
RE: Question about Hematocrit and RBC - jhtrader - 10-19-2016
Thanks - I have been donating blood as frequently as they will let me. Haven't tried the Oximetry monitoring - that is a good idea.