At my 1st rheumy appt. last week, he told me that previous blood work showed a slightly high red blood cell count & enlarged red blood cells. I asked what that means, but he didn't answer. He did ask if I have gas heat or if I've had a lot of fires in the fireplace, which I have neither. He said carbon monoxide can cause problems with red blood cells. The dr. who originally ordered the lab work didn't say anything about it, so guess he wasn't concerned or just didn't notice it.
I googled it, but there's so much info. out there I have no idea what to make of it.
Even before all of my problems flared up in September (extreme fatigue & weakness, pain all over, but especially in my eyes, mouth, jaw, & neck; dry mouth & eyes...), for almost a year I've often had some problems breathing while lying down, feeling like I'm not getting enough oxygen in. No one has been able to explain that.
Anybody know anything about high red blood cell count or enlarged red blood cells? Could it be some type of oxygen deprivation?