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My mom has Polycythemia Vera: Can PV be managed without phlebotomies?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 9 hours ago | Replies (42)
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My husband has PV, which he’s had since 2018. He used to have to go for phlebotomies every few weeks, but after a hospital stay, he became anemic and didn’t need them anymore. Unfortunately, at his last blood test, his levels showed that he needs them again. He takes HU medications daily at 500mg and three times a week at 1000mg. One thing I’ve never understood is why his WBC is always high. Does anyone else have the same issue?

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Replies to "My husband has PV, which he’s had since 2018. He used to have to go for..."
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 6 days ago

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @lisbob40 Having blood a condition like polycythemia vera (PV) can be confusing. PV is generally classified as having too many red blood cells. But the underlying condition can also cause too many white blood cells and platelets (ET). It’s only one of several blood cancers found in a condition, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), where the bone marrow contains mutations which can disrupt the normal production of blood cells. Basically bypassing a ‘shut off’ switch. This disorder can create the overproduction of blood cells, including red, white and platelets.
This link from Very Well Health is a good tutorial on MPNs
https://www.verywellhealth.com/myeloproliferative-disorders-5209654
Is your husband under the guidance of a hematologist oncologist?

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beebo | @beebo | 16 hours ago

@lisbob40 I was diagnosed with PV In 2021, but probably had it for a lot longer.
I started out having phlebotomy treatments every two weeks and after a few months cut back to getting them on an “As Needed “basis based on my doctor’s assessment of my #’s. Now I have not needed one in almost 2 years. Currently on 500mg hydroxy 4x/week and getting monthly blood tests.
And yes, my white blood cell count is consistently over twice the normal level. Doctor says it is just a factor of the condition’s over production of blood cells.

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