Home Phlebotomy?

[Solo59]

Here's a crazy question for anyone: Do you know of anyone who has found a way to perform a home phlebotomy on himself (or with help) because of polycythemia from AAS use? I have a very high RBC count right now, with shortage of breath, occasional dizziness & fatigue, so I went off cycle. My urologist will not re-prescribe HRT because of this condition. He says it takes at least 120 days to return to normal off all exogenous testosterone. BUT, in my case, it will certainly start all over again at that time. I'm in a bind. I want to get ready for Xmas at a Mexican beach resort (by getting back on cycle), so some therapeutic blood-letting seems the the only way I can do this. Anyone have any advice on this somewhat freaky issue? (My urologist absolutely refuses to consider it, but, then again, he at first refused to write me prescriptions for injectable testosterone cypionate.) I will donate blood, but that just helps short term, I believe.

Respects,
Solo

[cog]

Ancient practice that used to be performed often.You need a dead man switch for sure.I was disapointed with search results previously.

[cog]

Ancient practice that used to be performed often.You need a dead man switch for sure.I was disapointed with search results previously.

I must have used a different search term,plenty of home kits for the people with high iron in their blood.

[St]

I have this Medical diploma and I wouldn't ever do this or try this on my own.

[cog]

I have this Medical diploma and I wouldn't ever do this or try this on my own.
Dead man switch?

[Solo59]

Ancient practice that used to be performed often.You need a dead man switch for sure.I was disapointed with search results previously.

If I understand you correctly, yes, indeed, you'd need a "dead man switch", or someone standing by, which I would have. It'd be a difficult & possibly ugly procedure, requiring a 16g needle, so I'm not so anxious to do this solo. I do have a few nurse friends I'm thinking of asking for help.

Respects,
Solo

[Solo59]

I must have used a different search term,plenty of home kits for the people with high iron in their blood.

I have seen these kits, but, so far, they all seem to be from the U.S. or Britain, and everyone I contacted (not to buy just yet, but just to see how it would go) wanted the name of the hospital, lab, or university I was representing.

Two months off everything, even my 100 mg/wk HRT and two blood donations at either end of this period will have to do. Then it's back on the hi-Test & Masteron!:wb

Respects,
Solo

[cog]

I have seen these kits, but, so far, they all seem to be from the U.S. or Britain, and everyone I contacted (not to buy just yet, but just to see how it would go) wanted the name of the hospital, lab, or university I was representing.

Two months off everything, even my 100 mg/wk HRT and two blood donations at either end of this period will have to do. Then it's back on the hi-Test & Masteron!:wb

Respects,
Solo

Surely the Chinese would sell you a setup?

[cog]

For a while I was wondering if you went off the edge of your wheelchair ramp you were gone so long.

[Solo59]

After last year, with anemia (low RBC) then a cancer tumour removed, it was great getting back into it this summer (apparently cancer-free) and I grew like days of old, but, then what happens but a high RBC count, and shortage of breath. Either one or the other, but, man I still don't want to quit the game! Glad you missed me, Cog.

Respects,
Solo

[dngerfield]

yes i do home phembotomy and it works out well......i have rigged my own system up and it works just fine. there is nothing to be worried about as long as you take the proper steps and make sure someone is around...it can be a bit messy to do lbut once you get the hang of it everything can go smooth...i'd be happy to answer any questions you have solo!


there is nothing to be scared about for those of you with concerns.

[cog]

Thanks for the reply,do you use a vacuum cannister?My wife gets blood removed often,and they use a butterfly pin.

[dngerfield]

i just use a regular 16 g needle and pop it onto an empty syringe (i take out the plunger)....i connect a flexible clear tube ( to see the bloodflow) to the other end of the syringe and then connect the the other end of the tube to a 500 ml water bottle.....

i tried using a 19 g needle but the blood would clog up the needle quite fast....with the 16 g i have no problems

[Solo59]

i just use a regular 16 g needle and pop it onto an empty syringe (i take out the plunger)....i connect a flexible clear tube ( to see the bloodflow) to the other end of the syringe and then connect the the other end of the tube to a 500 ml water bottle.....

i tried using a 19 g needle but the blood would clog up the needle quite fast....with the 16 g i have no problems

Now this is interesting information! I went to donate blood but made the mistake of admitting I use Avodart, so they showed me the door. I like the empty syringe idea & the clear tubing makes good sense. 500 ml is just a smidgen more than a pint, which should be perfect.

Questions: 1. At what angle do you put your arm (or do you use another prominent vein)? How do you support the needle & syringe – just use your free hand? 2. I know my regular GP will check my RBC level upon request and I would go by that most of all. But when I go back on cycle, I know the RBC will be constantly high, so how often would you do this IV drip, about once a month? 3. I'm a bit worried about retention of iron after this extra bloodletting. Do you take iron supplements?

I've looked at all sorts of expensive kits and it just seems to me the procedure is too simple to require all the expensive details. I know enough to be clean, careful, & sterile. My capable wife will check in on me during the procedure. I guess the only hesitation is putting that 16 g needle right into a vein. But she may be willing to do the poking around for me. She wants me in great shape too!

Thanks for this important but hard to find information, dngerfield & cog. Really.

Respects,
Solo

[dngerfield]

i used to go to the hospital to get a phembotomy done but it was a waste of time for me for various reasons so this is why i do this at home.....

i usually put my arm to the side, down, in a comfortable positition....the more the needle faces down the better the blood flow i believe....i usually do this every 6 months and both times i've been to the endo my rbc count has been in range so thats what i personally stick with....i know canada blood service lets people donate quite often so you might want to google the time inbetween phlembotomies......i do not take out more than 500 ml when i do it.....more than that i believe is not a good idea

i am not worried about my iron, it has been in range when my blood tests are done and i eat plenty of meat so for me i believe it's not a concern...

the first 2 times i did the home phem i did all the needle work myself (putting the needle in my own arm was a bit wierd at first lol)while my friend kept an eye on me....however, since then my sis in law (nurse) has been doing the needle work and i can tell you it's 100 % better.....less digging around to hit the vien, less blood running down my arm and she knows the right angle to hit the vein and she can hold the needle in place with minimal movement....and less of a bruise on my arm after all.....getting a nurse friend is the way to go in my opinion especially since you said you knew some nurses, use them before your wife...

i wouldn't bother spending too much $ for such a simple procedure, doesn't make sense to me and i priced it out the "proper way" and it is pricey.....draw the blood, flush the blood down the toilet and you're good to go......the 16 gauge needles were pricey at approx 30$/100 box but that will last you a while....

also, after the 16 gauge is pulled out of my arm, i have to apply a lot of pressure and for a long time to stop the bleeding....a 16 gauge is like a mini knife wound lol

[ironwill]

I would like to do this. I have heard from other boards some feel home phlebtomy can cause strokes??
Not sure, but makes me a tad nervous. I think ill just go and get in bar fights and lose some blood from nose bleeds etc....or have cc pull a Kato style sneak attack on me when im not expecting it. natural blood loss for the win....lol

[Solo59]

Thanks for the reply,do you use a vacuum cannister?My wife gets blood removed often,and they use a butterfly pin.

I'd think you'd avoid a vacuum canister or bag because it may lead to a sudden decrease in BP. I don't believe they use them in blood donor clinics.

Respects,
Solo

[Solo59]

I would like to do this. I have heard from other boards some feel home phlebtomy can cause strokes??
Not sure, but makes me a tad nervous. I think ill just go and get in bar fights and lose some blood from nose bleeds etc....or have cc pull a Kato style sneak attack on me when im not expecting it. natural blood loss for the win....lol

Should not cause strokes any more than a blood donation, unless you already have medical issues. As mentioned above, don't vacuum out the blood so the blood loss is gradual enough that there should be no shock syndrome or low BP.

I'm going to try lying my way through the blood donation once more. Maybe they'll let me in this time. Also, I'm going to appeal to my urologist once more next week for an IV drip appointment. I'm running Mast alone, so my testosterone should be almost non-existent but my RBC will still be high, so I can claim that I seem to have polycythemia as a permanent condition thus definitely requiring a therapeutic phlebotomy. If neither of those work, I'll do it myself. THEN I can get back on cycle!

Solo

[cog]

I'd think you'd avoid a vacuum canister or bag because it may lead to a sudden decrease in BP. I don't believe they use them in blood donor clinics.

Respects,
Solo

Vacuum cannister is for use with a smaller pin to avoid scar tissue.Small pins apparently damage the blood products.

[ironwill]

Should not cause strokes any more than a blood donation, unless you already have medical issues. As mentioned above, don't vacuum out the blood so the blood loss is gradual enough that there should be no shock syndrome or low BP.

I'm going to try lying my way through the blood donation once more. Maybe they'll let me in this time. Also, I'm going to appeal to my urologist once more next week for an IV drip appointment. I'm running Mast alone, so my testosterone should be almost non-existent but my RBC will still be high, so I can claim that I seem to have polycythemia as a permanent condition thus definitely requiring a therapeutic phlebotomy. If neither of those work, I'll do it myself. THEN I can get back on cycle!

Solo
Well, the needle is quite large, and i am not a doctor, but if you go on promuscle, look for info you are seeking here, you will see many different opinions from those it has affected.
May be worth a read, believe me, i have thought about this many, many times, i have a genetic condition where i have chronic high iron, phlebotomy is great for this as well.

BUT, after i read what i did on several experiences on several sites.
I changed my miond.

It shouldnt cause strokes, but some swear it does, do yourself a favour and check it out more.

[cog]

Removing too much blood too often can cause an iron deficiency,which could increase your chances of a stroke.

[Solo59]

Removing too much blood too often can cause an iron deficiency,which could increase your chances of a stroke.

Iron supplements, plus I love a calf liver dinner!

But I'll keep that in mind, Cog. I just need to at least get back on TRT and soon on a cycle. I miss being me!

Solo

Solo

[cog]

Be sure to be completely hydrated.Apparently Gatorade during helps.