high haemoglobin/haemocrit/

[snowmash]

Just found out that I have a haemoglobin of 17.1 , raised haemocrit and raised something else (had a minor operation cancelled, and the anaesthetist said something about clotting - he seemed to think this was unusually high).

I've never smoked and am young - wondering how long I should leave it before asking for more blood tests? (my GP did the tests, not the hospital).

I'm also trying not to google - I know that it can just be that a value is outside the reference values.

Have you googled yet? I am not an expert, so googled for you :)
Well, it could be a result of something as simple as prolonged dehydration, another possibility is steroids or even high altitude. There are others too, but I think you should start by looking at the lightweight stuff first. Maybe ask for more tests, like liver & kidney function?

Thanks nightcat - he did say my potassium was a little on the low side (but it generally is, and they can sort that), but all the others were fine (kidney & liver function, lipids, thyroid - it was a bit of a catch all set of tests, as normally I just have liver function and basic blood count).

He asked if I was poly something, but I hadn't heard of it before.

Dehydration is worth asking about I suppose, although they in the past they seem to have been able to tell that from blood tests.

ah, have been reading recently that too much vinegar can affect potassium levels down, does it ring a bell? My dad takes potassium meds b/c of antidiuretics, but he is much older than you.
For some reason your body demands extra oxygen and gets it by raising hemoglobin levels. I would ask for extra tests and see what they suggest.

I meant diuretics (past my bedtime I think :-o)

Thanks nightcat - I have asked them if they'll repeat the tests (got an email from Dr A. N. Other querying it).

I'm not concerned about the slightly low potassium, as I usually am.

We have a family history of hamatocromitosis or something I can't spell. Essentially you make far too much iron and your body can't cope with it.
Apparently, it is quite common, but most people aren't diagnosed with it until they get liver cirrohisis. Aren't I lucky? Blood tests every six months to see whether mine has developed. Dad and Sister already have it, I will probably be next.

Sorry to hear that, kreecher (although I suppose it's better to know).

2nd lot have come back even more abnormal (with one specific LFT marker raised and calcium too alongside - and maybe some others as I couldn't see over her shoulder).

I'm not googling this set, just need to distract myself as I remember a patient with the new biomarker combo :(

Waiting for the GP to contact haematology now (and hoping this is the specific combination of my drugs).

sorry to hear that, snowmash :(, but at least they are on the case, eh?
You know, I always ask for copies of any results (usually at the reception desk after dr has given them to you), I understand you'd rather not, but sometimes it helps to try and crack it yourself.
I hope you get seen soon and solve the mystery.

Thanks nightcat, that's a good idea (to ask for copies).

They've said they want to do some genetic testing apparently, so I'll be asking what for next week (I'm guessing JAK2 mutations, but I'm not sure I'm old enough for those disorders).

I'm a great believer in hoofbeats rather than zebras.

First thing to do is have your full blood count checked again making sure you are well-hydrated beforehand. If the haemoglobin and haematocrit are still elevated then you need to have your serum ferritin (i.e. iron) level checked. If this is elevated too then you could have haemochromatosis. This is actually a quite common hereditary (i.e. runs in families) condition where your body over-stores iron.
It's easily treated by regular "venesection" (taking off blood just the same as if you were donating blood) which brings the iron levels down. Initially this is done often but once iron levels are down (almost into the anaemic range) then it may only need to be done once or twice a year.
The reason for treating it is that high iron levels can lead to joint problems and liver damage.
If you have this condition your family need to be screened for it too.