[57F] Experiencing occasional dizziness and visual disturbances

What might be happening

Based on your information, you have high red blood cell count (RBC), high hemoglobin (HGB), high hematocrit (HCT), and high red cell distribution width (RDW). These results suggest that your body is producing more red blood cells than normal. This can be due to several reasons:

• Polycythemia Vera: This is a slow-growing blood cancer in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious complications, such as blood clots. The tingling sensation on your face and dizziness could be related to this condition.

  • Treatment usually aims to reduce the thickness of the blood and prevent clotting. This can be done through various methods, including medication, phlebotomy (removal of blood from the body), and low-dose aspirin.

• Secondary Polycythemia: This condition occurs as a response to an underlying cause such as low oxygen levels in your blood. It could be due to chronic lung disease, certain tumors, or a history of smoking.

  • Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.

• Dehydration: This can cause your blood to become concentrated, leading to higher than normal test results. However, this would typically resolve once you rehydrate.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information provided and should be confirmed by a healthcare professional.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss these test results. They may want to repeat the tests or do additional testing to confirm a diagnosis.
2. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
3. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening headache
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.