Question 1

im a 26 year old male who lives at high altitude in denver, co. hgb: 18.3 hct: 53.1 rbcs 5.9. is this normal? i tested negative for the jak2 mutation and my epo was 8 my hematologist said cause was to living at high altitude?

Accepted Answer

: Usually a bone marrow biopsy is done as well as part of the work up for polycythemia if reasons to believe erythropoiesis is involved. Gaisbock syn is also a poorly understood condition associating hypertension to polycythemia. If using any supplements, smoking or vaping, discontinuing all may help in removing possible culprits.

Question 2

dx chronic anemia.last bone marrow aspiration 4 yrs ago. have had erethropoetin output 1-4since then hgb generally 8.0-11.1 hct relative. feel hem/onc dr ignoring me should i get updated aspiration? many symptoms-chest pain,extreme exhaustion. epo output

Accepted Answer

Chronic anemia: The main reason to repeat the marrow biopsy would be if there was a change in your disease- more refractory, more wbc, lower plts, etc. If the underlying chronic disease cannot be treated or is unknown, then using EPO to treat and monitoring hgb is quite reasonable management. But it sounds like you may wish to have more explanation. Making and apmt to talk or ask questions is OK, or consult here.

Question 3

dialysis, athlete, very strong heart.pleading w kaiser docs 4 more epo.is now extremely groggy when hemos go low and can't even work out.what can he do?

Accepted Answer

Renal transplant: Would discuss with nephrologist about renal transplantation and thus get off dialysis. You might be a candoidate if heart is "strong".

Question 4

can epo secretion be low while kidneys and liver normal. creatinine normal an kidney scan normal. am 70 yrs?

Accepted Answer

Probably not key: I've been following your questions. Especially at age 34, anemia due simply to lack of erythropoietin is extremely uncommon, kidney troubles or no. You need to look for some other cause. Erythropoietin itself is produced irregularly and unless it's way below the reference range (which is set so that several % of healthies fall outside), I'd consider ignoring the result.

Question 5

for 2yrs my hct has been elevated (54% with plenty of fluids) as well as my platelet count (544,000) however my epo is normal.  my doctor is puzzled.

Accepted Answer

Hematologist: You may wish to see a hematologist so that you may get the appropriate genetic test for susceptibility to polycythemia vera. Visit this site for info: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycythemia-vera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355850

Question 6

i have low epo output and extremely low iron stores in bone marrow(aspiration done). chronic anemia-can be as low as 6.2-8.2 on regular basis can this affect my teeth? it seems since my dx 8-10 yrs ago i have had terrible tooth decay and poor gums. of cor

Accepted Answer

Possibilities: It could make you more susceptible to gums disease. It shouldn't affect your teeth unless something you are taking is causing dry mouth. Things that could affect your susceptibility to decay are menopause, vomiting, and heart burn.

You don't have to have problems if you take care of your teeth.

Question 7

can epo help in reducing a women temper?

Accepted Answer

EPO AND TEMPER: No it does not reduce womens temper.I do not know if there is one single thing or action which will reduce womens temper.You have to learn there is not same for each woman
i meanit.You have to learn by experience.So good luck.

Question 8

epo injection for amenia what are the costs?

Accepted Answer

Expensive: First make sure the anemia is not due to reversible factors such as iron, B12 or folate deficiency; if these are present they should be replaced prior to use of Epogen as replacement may correct the anemia. If ep is needed it is a relatively expensive drug costing hundreds of dollars every injection (which for EPO could be weekly); if Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) (long acting form made by amgen) can be more expensive.

Question 9

will a person with just "one kidney" need epo?

Accepted Answer

Possibly..: It depends on your residual kidney function, if you are anemic, and if anemia is present without another cause.  If you have decreased kidney function which is determined by your creatinine level (it would be elevated), then you should see a nephrologist who can recommend EPO if necessary.

Question 10

what is the signaling mechanism for epo release?

Accepted Answer

Tissue hypoxia: Lack of adequate oxygenation of tissues is the usual signal for EPO release.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

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Doctor answers about:

High hgb low epo

A member asked:

Im a 26 year old male who lives at high altitude in denver, co. hgb: 18.3 hct: 53.1 rbcs 5.9. is this normal? i tested negative for the jak2 mutation and my epo was 8 my hematologist said cause was to living at high altitude?

A member asked:

Dx chronic anemia.last bone marrow aspiration 4 yrs ago. have had erethropoetin output 1-4since then hgb generally 8.0-11.1 hct relative. feel hem/onc dr ignoring me should i get updated aspiration? many symptoms-chest pain,extreme exhaustion. epo output

A member asked:

Dialysis, athlete, very strong heart.pleading w kaiser docs 4 more epo.is now extremely groggy when hemos go low and can't even work out.what can he do?

A member asked:

Can epo secretion be low while kidneys and liver normal. creatinine normal an kidney scan normal. am 70 yrs?

A member asked:

For 2yrs my hct has been elevated (54% with plenty of fluids) as well as my platelet count (544,000) however my epo is normal. my doctor is puzzled.

A member asked:

I have low epo output and extremely low iron stores in bone marrow(aspiration done). chronic anemia-can be as low as 6.2-8.2 on regular basis can this affect my teeth? it seems since my dx 8-10 yrs ago i have had terrible tooth decay and poor gums. of cor

A member asked:

Can epo help in reducing a women temper?

A member asked:

Epo injection for amenia what are the costs?

A member asked:

Will a person with just "one kidney" need epo?

A member asked:

What is the signaling mechanism for epo release?

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