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High MCV

Jennifer_C
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Good evening, I was diagnosed in 2019 with Essential Thrombocythemia after testing positive for JAK 2 and with a blood clot on my brain, I am on lifelong Hydroxycarbamide and Warfarin. I have blood tests every 3 months, my MCV has got higher and higher and is currently 111.1, I had a telephone consultation with my haematologist yesterday and he didn’t mention my MCV count, my platelets were in range and he said carry on as I am and to get my bloods tested again in 3 months.

Today my GP called me and said he is concerned about my MCV count and said that being high can cause further blood clots, this has really worried me, he emailed my haematologist with his concerns and my haematologist said he isn’t concerned as it is high due to the Hydroxycarbamide medication. Surely my haematologist will have a greater understanding of my blood results and if he isn’t worried at this stage I shouldn’t be, would you agree? I am getting anxious.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

  • Hi Jennifer_C and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you have essential thrombocythemia (ET). I imagine this must be a difficult time.

    The haematologist is a specialist in blood conditions such as ET and will have more experience of treating this.  It sounds like they are not concerned about the MCV level and are happy that you are having the right treatment. If there were any concerns then I imagine they would mention it and whether or not this will affect the treatment you are having.

     If you are concerned it might be worth having a chat with the haematologist again or perhaps a nurse specialist (CNS) if you have one.

    I hope this helps a little. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Jemma

    Thank you very much Jemma for taking the time to reply to me, I really appreciate it.

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