Hemocrit levels at 50. How quickly can I get it down?

[PistolPete33]

So, I just had my bloodwork done and everything came back great except my Hemocrit levels which were at 50. I need to go donate blood tomorrow and my Dr. said I need to donate every 60 days. After one donation what should I expect my levels to drop to? No wonder why my cardio has been in the toilet.

[xcraider37]

So, I just had my bloodwork done and everything came back great except my Hemocrit levels which were at 50. I need to go donate blood tomorrow and my Dr. said I need to donate every 60 days. After one donation what should I expect my levels to drop to? No wonder why my cardio has been in the toilet.

How has your hydration been, you drinking enough water daily, while donating is good, being hydrated will lower your HCT just as much or more.

[austinite]

2 to 3 point drop usually. Xcraider makes a good point about hydration, it can impact your levels. But either way, 50 isnt something to be super concerned about. Just donate whenever you can.

btw, it's Hematocrit

[PistolPete33]

I will hydrate more and go give blood. I have the residuals of a migraine that I got lost night and still feel a bit foggy. The donation center that is around me is open today but isn't open again till Friday. Would it be a bad idea to donate today with the headache?

[austinite]

No, not a bad idea. If that's the cause, you should feel better afterwards.

[PistolPete33]

No, not a bad idea. If that's the cause, you should feel better afterwards.

Awesome, thank you so much.

[bluskiblacdeth]

Red Cross can do double red cell donations, that should drop it 4-8 points BUT the catch is you have to wait double as long to donate again. Might be something to look into.

[Beethoven]

I've felt the difference after each when I've been high. Each time brings mine down about two to three points. The trick is staying on top of it with regular donations as not to need a script for therapeutic blood draws.

[bluskiblacdeth]

yeah scripts for a blood draw eliminates you from donating ever again and you end up having to pay for the draw, which they have to throw away....at least here in CA that is the way it is.

[BigPimpin76]

You should feel better 15 mins after draw!
Its a refreshing feeling!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum

[ppwc1985]

Red Cross just told me I can't donate no more, how often should I get a therapeutic blood draw? Not trying to hijack your tread pp

[Beethoven]

Red Cross just told me I can't donate no more, how often should I get a therapeutic blood draw? Not trying to hijack your tread pp

There is a form your Doc fills out that will dictate how many draws over a period of time is needed to get you at a given number. There is now charge for it here in Fla.

[ppwc1985]

Ok thanks, I'll have to check with him.

[bigt405]

I too struggle with elevated hematocrit numbers. The interesting thing is without a blood test the only symptom I have is a slightly elevated blood pressure.....nothing else other wise I feel great. Hopefully I will be able to donate today so I get some bloodwork done for my doctor. I have been turned away twice since December due to high hemoglobin so I have cut back on my dose and trying to be well hydrated this time. My options are running out if this don't work

[bigt405]

Got turned away again.....hemoglobin was 19.8. I had been dosing 40 mg on Monday and Thursday down from 50 mg. I guess I will go to my doctor tomorrow to get bloodwork done and see if he will prescribe a therapeutic draw without taking me totally of the test....this sucks

[GFA]

Got turned away again.....hemoglobin was 19.8. I had been dosing 40 mg on Monday and Thursday down from 50 mg. I guess I will go to my doctor tomorrow to get bloodwork done and see if he will prescribe a therapeutic draw without taking me totally of the test....this sucks

Go to a hematologist. When my hematocrit was over 50, he did 4 blood lettings in a month (1 pint a week for 4 weeks).

Dont mess around with that stuff. Get it under control. When I hit >50 I felt dizzy drunk but was completely sober. Was the only way I could describe it. When your hematocrit gets too high, your blood becomes thicker. This is what causes strokes and heart attacks.