Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

[tarrigo]

I am a 25 yr. old male, and don’t know if my question is posted in the right place…but here goes.  Back in September of 2006 I had blood work done.  My calcium was slightly elevated along with my hematocrit and hemoglobin.  Repeat blood work showed normal calcium, but the hematocrit and hemoglobin remained slightly elevated.  I am a very light smoker (3-4 a day), so my GP doesn’t think that is what caused the elevation.  I had a renal ultrasound and pulmonary function test done…both were fine.  I recently began experiencing pain in my upper spine and in my ribs, along with pinching pain throughout my limbs.  Can this be related to the elevated counts?  Any other ideas as to why my hemoglobin and hematocrit counts are high?

Thanks,

T

[tarrigo]

Any input????

[LikeSudoku]

I too have elevated Hgb and Hematocrit levels.  My doctor repeated the test 3 times, and the result each time is the same.  The last time I saw her she said that she would check with a Hematologist, but I have not heard from her yet.  I'm not a smoker, and my blood pressure is normal.  But my heart rate is high most of the time.  I'm wondering if my body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen and raises my heart rate, Hgb, and Hematocrit levels.  If I hear back from my doctor, I will post again.
Take care.

[LikeSudoku]

My doctor asked me a few questions about my elevated blood count.  
1. Do I smoke?
2. Do I have sleep apnea?
3. Do I take vitamin/supplement that has diuretic ingredient?

Maybe these can help answer some of the questions you have.  

I answered no to them all, so the search continues....

[RNjan1]

it could be nothing.  it could be polycythemia vera.  you need to look that up online.  there are many things i am questioning for myself and i don' t like the looks of it!  it looks as though we need to get our iron levels done, also......along with B12 levels.  i have pain in my hands and forearms, ribs also so..........we'll see.  i'm a RN so i won't take, "oh its nothing" for an answer.  i'm sick of PCP''s always brushing things off and ignoring things.  one even mentioned that i'm probably depressed......since my arms and hands hurt, and i'm  aching on certain days, and have transient dizziness, yada yada yada.  (i actually went to a therapist and took a personality/depression test just in case i was in denial - and my depression scores "were very low" according to her)   therefore, to all of you, check out this link - one of many i found:

          http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycythemia-vera/DS00919/DSECTION=symptoms


just copy and paste it...........just a thought.  like i said, it could be many things.