Had my first consult with Defy, RBC, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit are high

[giannid]

So after a month of waiting for my initial consultation with Defy, my blood tests show my rbc at 6.11, Hemoglobin at 18.5, and hematocrit at 52.7. Also, my Platelets are low at 145, which they've been like that on prior tests. I've use testosterone in the past prescribed by another doctor but came off a few months prior to getting my new lab work done for Defy so I can start fresh. My testosterone is low as it's been in the past. Obviously they won't prescribe testosterone until I get my numbers down. They suggested I donate, wait two weeks, and get retested. Do you guys think it will bring my numbers down enough for them to prescribe test? I'm pretty sure my numbers are elevated from test use. They offered to prescribe HCH and DHEA in the meantime. I actually started taking sublingual Testosterone I had left over from my prior doctor. Wondering if I should stop taking that testosterone as it may keep my numbers high. I sure do feel better taking some sort of testosterone. Any advice?

 

[johndoesmith]

A donation should knock you down about 3 points on HCT.

None of those are super high, and certainly within the range of what a donation can do.

 

[ERO]

Go do your blood donation ASAP and re-test, then you should be good to go.

 

[Vince]

I agree, you should be good after donating blood.

 

[Vince Carter]

Be super hydrated when you donate, and when you retest. Also fast 8-12 hrs for your test. These can really affect your numbers.

 

[giannid]

Not sure that the regular blood test requires blood work. Is it a good ideal to stop taking the testosterone I'm on now or will it not hurt anything?

 

[Vince Carter]

Not sure that the regular blood test requires blood work. Is it a good ideal to stop taking the testosterone I'm on now or will it not hurt anything?

what....?...

 

[giannid]

I meant fasting for the blood work I need. Thought that was required for cholesterol only.

 

[Vince]

I would ask Defy, they are good about answering questions. Otherwise I would fast.

 

[johndoesmith]

I meant fasting for the blood work I need. Thought that was required for cholesterol only.

What blood work are you getting?

If it's a CBC, I don't believe fasting is required, Defy will know for sure.

One thing that is important, is to be hydrated, any dehydration can elevate HCT falsely.

 

[giannid]

Yep, just CBC.

 

[Vince Carter]

I always fast for all my tests, that's my advice.

 

[giannid]

Well, went to the Red Cross today and gave them a pint. Hopefully my numbers come down to get on Testosterone again.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Well, went to the Red Cross today and gave them a pint. Hopefully my numbers come down to get on Testosterone again.

Keep us posted.

 

[Vince Carter]

Defy has advised me in the past to pull CBC two weeks after donation. I've done it at 7 days though.

 

[giannid]

I wonder if I'll get better numbers in 2 weeks or one? Obviously I want it to go well. Any other things I can do to get my number down?

 

[johndoesmith]

I wonder if I'll get better numbers in 2 weeks or one? Obviously I want it to go well. Any other things I can do to get my number down?

I don't think going sooner will result in better numbers.

Hydrate. That's AFAIK the only thing that has an effect.