Concerns About RBC and Haematocrit Levels Post-Kidney Surgery
I am a 38-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 78 kilograms. Aside from having just one kidney, I consider myself healthy and active. While I have to wait a while to discuss my situation with my doctor, I thought I would reach out here for some insights. To provide some context, I had one of my kidneys removed due to cancer a little over a year ago. Here are my lab results: - 22/07/24: Two days post-surgery - 11/02/25: Six-month follow-up test - 21/08/25: One-year anniversary test I am particularly concerned about my red blood cell (RBC) count and haematocrit levels. **RBC Levels** - July 24: 4.56 - February 25: 4.71 - August 25: 4.42 **Haematocrit Levels** - July 24: 0.4 - February 25: 0.43 - August 25: 0.39 Additionally, I noticed my creatinine levels fluctuated from 139 to 162, then decreased to 141. All other parameters were within the normal range. Is there an alternative explanation for the decreases in my RBC and haematocrit? I'm feeling anxious about the health of my remaining kidney. It's worth mentioning that today's test was conducted without my usual hydration, and I've been experiencing soreness from a recent gym workout, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a swollen knee. Could these factors have contributed to the altered results?
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 5:31:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious following kidney surgery, especially when observing changes in blood test results. Let's break down what your RBC and haematocrit levels mean in the context of your health and recent activities.
Summary of Key Points:
- RBC & Haematocrit Levels: Your recent results show variations in RBC and haematocrit levels, which can be influenced by several factors.
- Potential Explanations: Fluctuations in these results can be due to hydration status, physical exertion, or even changes in your kidney function.
- Next Steps: Focus on hydration, monitor your symptoms, and consider timing of your tests.
Explanation:
Red blood cells (RBC) and haematocrit levels reflect your body's capacity to carry oxygen. Typically, after kidney surgery, these values might fluctuate due to various factors:
- Hydration Status: Decreased hydration can lead to a lower haematocrit and RBC count as your blood volume may reduce, concentrating red blood cells.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in strenuous activities like intense workouts can temporarily affect these levels. Muscle soreness and inflammation, especially around your knee, may also play a role.
- Kidney Function: Your creatinine levels indicate how well your remaining kidney is functioning. Fluctuations here are common, especially post-surgery, but consistent monitoring is essential.
Actionable Guidance:
- Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration in the days leading up to a blood test, as it can stabilize RBC and haematocrit levels.
- Symptoms Monitoring: Keep an eye on any unusual symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or swelling. This will help identify if fluctuations are concerning.
- Test Timing: If possible, plan your blood tests when you feel well-hydrated and are not recovering from soreness. This reduces the likelihood of transient glitches in results.
- Follow-Up: Share your concerns about fluctuations with your doctor when you can. They may suggest further testing to monitor your kidney function more closely.
It's normal to feel concerned, but by staying proactive and focusing on the steps above, you can better manage your health moving forward. If you have more questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
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