My PCV is Dropping, So Wish Me “Happy Regeneration”!

Unfortunately, my PCV (Packed Cell Volume, with is the percentage of red blood cells that make up the total blood volume) is dropping to a near concerning level. Fortunately, my dad/doctor is doing further lab testing to see if I am starting to regenerate new red blood cells (RBCs). If I am not regenerating new RBCs adequately, then I will need a transfusion of RBCs from a donor dog. I have had two RBC transfusions in the past and they have always made me feel better. The transfusions work to make up for the RBCs that have been destroyed by my immune system. As the Prednisone and Azothioprine suppress the RBC destruction, my bone marrow will produce new RBCs. Besides my dropping RBC level, I am feeling good and am eating with a good appetite. My energy is certainly better than a week ago when this all seemed to have started, but the low RBC number makes me less energetic than normal. I may have to be hospitalized during this process to get intravenous fluids and other medications to help to prevent side effects of the destruction of my RBCs. Ultimately, I will be back to my normal self and will need less immunosuppressive medication to keep health in check. In the above picture from June 09, my dads took me to San Francisco where I got to stay in many hotels. My favorite was the Ritz Carlton on Russian Hill gave me this super comfortable bed and a great dog toy. They also give me three types of bottled water to choose from! The Ritz sure knows how to treat dogs well! I hope I get to go back there again when I am feeling better. See how bright pink my tongue was in the picture. It is now paler pink, but it should improve as my RBC level improves. Wish me “happy regeneration”, as I want to feel better!