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Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Mar 20 8:31am | Replies (392)

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@darryl12000

I was diagnosed with PV in February 2021. My hematologist goes by my hemoglobin number, which he wants to maintain at under 15.0. I started off at 20.0 and had to have four phlebotomies in four weeks, then to one per month. Now im at one every 3-4 months. I also take one 81 mg aspirin tablet per day . My hematologist also wants me to drink black or green tea with my meals, as he showed me it helps to regulate my iron absorption from the meal, which he's trying to keep as low as possible. Im a 4.0-level tennis player so my energy level is extremely important to me; I also walk on a regular basis. So far so good, plus im planning to do my first zoom meeting in a blood cancers support group this coming Thursday. Im a 59 year old male, no smoking, very light drinker and do my very best to keep my emotions in check. Fortunately my family is all very supportive. I am open to any feedback since this is my first time on any type of online forum for Polycythemia Vera, or any other blood cancer for that matter

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Replies to "I was diagnosed with PV in February 2021. My hematologist goes by my hemoglobin number, which..."

Hello, I started off with the exact same treatment. I’m curious as to how your platelets are doing? My doctor wants them below 600. After my four phlebotomies and put on baby aspirin AND Hydroxyurea, mine went down from 777(when diagnosed) to 265. I saw them go down about 100 each phlebotomy although those are more for lowering hematocrit. Was taken off meds and then within six weeks platelets slowly creeped back up to 600on the seventh week so back on hydroxyurea. I then had the next phlebotomy. Can’t seem to wonder if the phlebotomies alone more frequently will do the trick? I was told it’s early and it takes a while to get some sort of normalcy. From what you wrote, you are doing great!