High Hemoglobin levels, need advice

**Novanut** · 06-16-2012, 07:38 PM

Ok, donated blood today and my hemo level was 18.3. This was first thing in the morning, so I could have been a little dehydrated but nonetheless HIGH. Usually I'm in the low 17 range when it comes time to donate and this usually gets me within the normal range. I usually donate as often as I can or allowed but I'm about two months overdue.
Anyway, should I stop TRT for a couple of weeks? Cut the dose in half? I'm between Dr's at the moment so I'm not sure what to do. This is kind of freaking me out and causing me a lot of anxiety. Thanks for any advise.

**Brohim** · 06-16-2012, 09:29 PM

Ive heard Hemo docs say anything below 55% is ok.

**Novanut** · 06-16-2012, 09:34 PM

I thought 50% was high and 55% was way too high. How much of a drop will you get from donating?

**bass** · 06-16-2012, 10:16 PM

what is your protocol now? yes definitely cutting your dose will help, also take a baby aspirin to help thin your blood a little. drinking plenty of water will; help as well. try not to miss your 2 month window donating blood, unfortunately there no way around it, do it as often as they allow. another thing you can do is find another blood drive not affiliated and do it every month if necessary.

**Novanut** · 06-17-2012, 04:44 AM

Currently I'm doing 150mg of cyp about every 6-7 days, nothing crazy. I'm due for a shot today but I'm not sure if I should skip it for a couple of weeks... I drank so much water yesterday I almost felt sick. My kidneys definitely got a workout. Started baby aspirin last night too.
I've searched for another donation center or blood drive but unfortunetly the red cross is the only one in my area. And, they don't do double red donations.

**bass** · 06-17-2012, 11:19 PM

try to split that to twice a week to avoid spikes, it might help. if you go to a mobel location then yes, they cant do double reds, but they should be able to do it in one of their centers.

**GFA** · 06-18-2012, 05:19 AM

50 is what my doc says is high and 55 is when he is really concerned. He wants my level to be 45. I will be going in for another RBC BW in 2 weeks, gave blood 2 weeks ago. It was 50.9 pre donation.

I thought of finding another center that would take my blood. Going to have to do some research to see if I can find a place. Not sure how unethical this would be or potential to hurt people. If there is any chance I could hurt someone Id rather not do it but it seems given our extra blood making capacity, it would be beneficial to us and to the receiver. Anyone with info on the risks?

**Novanut** · 06-18-2012, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by bass

try to split that to twice a week to avoid spikes, it might help. if you go to a mobel location then yes, they cant do double reds, but they should be able to do it in one of their centers.

I wish this were the case but in CT. they won't allow it. Some sort of debate or issue of whether or not nurses and techs should be doing double reds. The Red Cross said they think it will be coming back soon.

I'm just wondering if I should stay off for a couple of weeks or more? I know donating dropped my levels but not sure how much. This has really got me concerned.

**bass** · 06-18-2012, 02:25 PM

don't get too concerned, levels have to be high for a long period of time to cause any concern, just drink lots of water and take the baby aspirin before bed time. if your levels are still above the range then you may want to talk to your doc to write you a prescription to draw a pint of blood once a month, insurance should cover it. you can stop TRT but you will be shutdown for as long as you stay off TRT, and the sides from low testosterone ... well, you know how that feels, right?

**Novanut** · 06-18-2012, 03:01 PM

Thanks Bass. Here's my labs from last month on the 16th.

**nyjetsfan** · 06-30-2012, 08:29 AM

I also have a high RBC count. Def give blood and stay hydrated as the guys state. Baby aspirin is also good. Just one other comment: I have high BP and take Benicar. Just read an interesting article that Benicar Hematologic side effects have included decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit. As per numerous sites- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Small decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit (mean decreases of approximately 0.3 g/dL and 0.3 volume percent, respectively) were observed

**Novanut** · 08-13-2012, 04:17 PM

Well, it's been almost 2 months to the day since my last shot and I'm ready to start back up. I gave blood today and my hemo levels are finally back in range, 16.2. Probably lower since I donated.
I've got to say these last 2 months have been miserable! I've lost a shit ton of weight and have felt like absolute crap! The anxiety over this didn't help much either.
Now I'm wondering how I should go about starting back up? Should I start low and work up, do split doses, and how high? I was fine at 150 mg a week but I'm thinking of cutting that in half and see how it goes. Do maybe 75mg a week for a couple of months or even a 100mg split into 50mg 2 times per week. I've located a Dr. I'm going to try out but can't get in to see him for at least 3 weeks.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!