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+--- Thread: Elevated Red Blood Cell Count and Apnea (/Thread-Elevated-Red-Blood-Cell-Count-and-Apnea)
Elevated Red Blood Cell Count and Apnea - KatieClark - 03-20-2017
I had test for red blood cell count. The results came back as 4.82 with an exclamation mark next to it. The range listed is 3.80-4.80 so I am over that by two. My sleep apnea has got worse over the last few months and there is a known link to high red blood cell count to sleep apnea as your body fights to make up more oxygen in your blood due to the apea decreasing it. Where do I go from here? Its always worse if I have dairy before bed or sugar after 2 pm
RE: Elevated Red Blood Cell Count and Apnea - Sleeprider - 03-20-2017
Katie, it sounds like you would benefit from treating apnea with CPAP or better with auto CPAP. Since you're in the U.K. we have members that live there and have been through the medical system that can help. The best approach is to discuss your mild polycythemia with your doctor and ask if he can prescribe an auto CPAP. An Auto CPAP would allow you to use a sophisticated CPAP machine that self-adjusts pressure and provide data on the efficacy. It is a lot less expensive than going through sleep tests, and we can suggest where to purchase a good machine. Note we have a Supplier list at the top of the forum, and as long as you have prescription, you could use Supplier #2 to obtain a good machine. Otherwise you're at the mercy of your public health care system, which will be slow, inefficient and will provide a less worthy machine (sorry).
I think with the symptoms you describe and the polycythemia your need is pretty easily demonstrated. Talk to your doctor about a prescription recommendaton or referral. Hopefully someone from U.K. will be along shortly with more specific advise.
RE: Elevated Red Blood Cell Count and Apnea - trish6hundred - 03-20-2017
Hi KatieClark,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more suggestions and answers to your question and good luck to you.