RBC count to high

[madetolift]

I thought I read something about others having a red blood cell count being to high. I am on hormone replacement therapy of 5 grams of androgel 3 times a day (yea totally cool) but the Doc said my RBC count is to high and out of the normal range. It could cause clotting and other issues if not lowered. If my count does not drop he will have to lower the amount of androgel I get....not one of my favorite options.
I thought I heard I can give blood and that will decrease my RBC count. If so and I give blood once a month would that work enough. My count is 59.
Also if it does how long after I give blood would the decrease be good for?
Thanks for any insight on this.
Madetolift

 

[spartantech]

Repeat the Hb level 6-8wks after donating and go from there. Aspirin may be useful to minimize any risk of clotting

 

[thebrick]

I use AndroGel too and I have the same problem. Donate to get that down. If your RBC is too high though, Red Cross will not take you. I am not sure what that number is though. You can give whole blood once every 8 weeks and double red cells (they only take platelets, not your plasma) every 16 weeks. I like giving double red cells if you can. Aspirin and fish oil will help with potential clotting issues from elevated RBCs.

 

[madetolift]

I did some research and they said if my iron levels are to high that would indicate that I have to many RBS's. I would need a note from my Dr to have them take the blood. Once I get a note they would not have issues. I was thinking that I shuold ask the Dr just in case there is a fluctuation like this again and need to give blood or need to do it on a regular basis. Just gave blood and found this out.
In fact the needle clotted and stopped when they got to 90% of the amount they wanted
I take aspirin every day and fish oil also and my count is still to high. I guess this is a normal response for elevated test levels.

 

[sizeon]

whats condsiered a high range but stll safe, say i used a small amount of epo occasianly, whats a good way of going upon askin you doc for a test for this

 

[Quad-smack]

whats condsiered a high range but stll safe, say i used a small amount of epo occasianly, whats a good way of going upon askin you doc for a test for this

Upper 40's for hematocrit - past 51 and the blood begins to "sludge" and the risk for clots goes way up.
Just ask for a CBC. While you are at it, ask for liver and lipid panels as well.

 

[sizeon]

Upper 40's for hematocrit - past 51 and the blood begins to "sludge" and the risk for clots goes way up.
Just ask for a CBC. While you are at it, ask for liver and lipid panels as well.

wll when i ask them that they ask why and want a legit reason , no just any random testing for any out of the blue reason at a clinic?

 

[maldorf]

I did some research and they said if my iron levels are to high that would indicate that I have to many RBS's. I would need a note from my Dr to have them take the blood. Once I get a note they would not have issues. I was thinking that I shuold ask the Dr just in case there is a fluctuation like this again and need to give blood or need to do it on a regular basis. Just gave blood and found this out.
In fact the needle clotted and stopped when they got to 90% of the amount they wanted
I take aspirin every day and fish oil also and my count is still to high. I guess this is a normal response for elevated test levels.

Wow, im surprised they took your blood when it was at a 59 HCT. All the places ive heard of wont take your blood if its over 54. Did your doctor give you a prescription for the blood draw? I know that works.

 

[Quad-smack]

wll when i ask them that they ask why and want a legit reason , no just any random testing for any out of the blue reason at a clinic?

Go to your County Health Dept. & tell them you don't have a Physician and you would like a baseline test or ask your MD for a baseline. Just DON'T have them do a testosterone profile...