WhenI was going weekly, My hematocrit stayed around 30 to 35, As long as it stayed above 30 they would give me a phleb. It never once went below 30 so I phlebbed every week. We are all different. It is better to have a higher hematocrit, that means your body is producing red blood cells enough to maintain the phlebs. Your Dr might have meant he does not want you to go below 36. Just a thought.

I go every three weeks. My ferritin is 316 and hematocrit is 49. I started at 44 and went as high as 50 two phlebs ago. I am scheduled Feb 17th for phleb and labs on the 16th to check ferritin. My doc wants me at a 33. Then she will check levels and issue new orders if she feels I still need phlebs every three weeks.

My hematocrit dropped after my first few phlebs. Then, it started going up. My last phleb last Wednesday it started going down again. The phlebotomist told me this is how they know the phlebs are working.

I was just diagnosed in August, it is still very confusing and frightening to me.

Sandra

Sandy I remember that feeling of being scared and confused, thought life would never be the same. I was wrong, life is better. I have been getting phlebbed every three weeks now for 4 years plus the first year was every week. There are a lot of terrible genetic diseases out there, most are not so easily controlled as HH. You are very fortunate to have been diagnosed early, you should be able to lead a long normal life. Start learning everything you can about HH but realize it is very different for everyone. I do not have any symptoms left except heart palpatations and my joints in my hands will ache if my ferritin goes over 50. I do not let that happen, I try to keep it between 20 and 40. good luck

Gidget is right on the money...

So I am confused with feritin levels and hematocrit levels. Is hematocrit level directly correlated to ferritin level. So if my hematocrit level has gone up one week does that mean my ferritin level has gone up.

Sorry but these two numbers have me confused and the blood bank I have been going to is leading me to believe my hematocrit level has gone up and has advised it is probably due to eating too much iron.

I would love to get the right info on these two numbers. I have looked everywhere and just don't get it.

Tyre I am just learning about this too. I honestly don't know the difference. My phlebotomist told me when I first started after my hematocrit dropped and started rising again that that is what they hope for and expect to see. Levels will drop then rise then drop It tells them that iron is being pulled out of your liver. And, because your hematocrit is rising does not mean your ferritin is.

I see my doctor on the 17th. I have a list of questions for her and this is one. Explain the difference between ferritin and hematocrit.

Hope this is of some help.

Sandye55-

Thanks for the response. Good to know I am not the only one confused by the different readings.

I go to the doc tomorrow and I too have many questions for him.

It is the first time back since I started giving blood. I am eager to see where my ferritin levels have gone. Will see tomorrow!