How Stephanie McCarthy treated high hematocrit?

Note - This article is written by one of our patients about their experiences with high hematocrit.

Stephanie McCarthy here, and I'd like to talk about how I was diagnosed as having high hematocrit levels and how I was able to lessen them. I started having a number of symptoms that were interfering with my regular life, and that's when everything started.

I wasn't paying much attention to the symptoms at first. I frequently felt out of breath when performing simple tasks like ascending stairs since I was so continually exhausted. I started getting headaches on a regular basis and had periods of lightheadedness. I decided to seek medical guidance because I felt something was wrong and went to see my doctor for a thorough examination.

My doctor conducted a blood test during the checkup, and the results showed that my hematocrit level was elevated at 51%. It wasn't abnormally high, but it was still higher than the men's normal range, which usually ranges between 38% to 50%. High hematocrit levels, according to my doctor, may result in thicker blood and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

Note - More stories from other patients at the end of this page

Although receiving this prognosis was overwhelming, it inspired me to act right away. I reviewed possible causes with my doctor, and we came to the conclusion that dehydration might be a substantial contributor to my elevated hematocrit levels.

My doctor advised me to drink more fluids and be properly hydrated all day long to treat this condition. I started carrying a water bottle around with me at all times to remind myself to stay hydrated. By keeping my blood thin and its viscosity low, maintaining proper hydration would help to reduce stress on my cardiovascular system.

Along with emphasising water, I also significantly altered my way of living. I committed to eating a diet that was well-balanced and placed a strong emphasis on getting enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Natural and wholesome options replaced processed foods and sweetened beverages as the norm.

Regular physical activity also become a crucial part of my everyday regimen. I started with low-impact exercises like brisk walking and swimming and progressively increased my intensity to include jogging and cycling. Regular exercise improved my cardiovascular health and blood circulation in addition to assisting me in maintaining a healthy weight.

I learned to organise and prioritise self-care in order to control the symptoms and lessen their influence on my everyday life. On days when my tiredness was more noticeable, I paid attention to my body and gave myself plenty of time to rest. It became crucial to get enough sleep and refrain from overdoing it in order to keep your energy levels at their best all day.

My family was a crucial part of my support system during this difficult trip. When I needed inspiration and motivation, they offered it with steadfast understanding and patience. Together, we went for walks, cooked wholesome foods, and looked at ways to make my condition better.

Their constant encouragement helped me to relax and stay committed to my health goals by reducing tension and anxiety. Regular doctor visits were also crucial for keeping track of my development. We were able to monitor my hematocrit levels and change my treatment plan as needed thanks to routine blood testing.

My hematocrit levels gradually dropped over time as a result of my persistent efforts. It was proof of the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and the value of proactive self-care. Despite the difficulties along the way, I persevered because I wanted to enhance my health and general well-being.

I'm happy to inform that my hematocrit level is once again within the normal range today. Because of my own experience, I now know how important it is to pay attention to my body, make informed decisions about my health, and value the support of loved ones.

I continue to put hydration first, eat a balanced diet, and work out frequently to keep my hematocrit levels at their ideal range. I can now embrace each day with vibrancy and renewed energy because the symptoms that earlier caused me to miss out on daily activities have greatly decreased.

My experience serves as a reminder that we can overcome health issues and improve our quality of life with the correct attitude, perseverance, and support from loved ones.

How Stephanie McCarthy treated high hematocrit?

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