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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

my hematologist and I discussed hydroxyurea but decided ideal way to go is only baby aspirin and phlebotomy, which currently is every 3-4 months, based on my hemoglobin number. They still run my other numbers, of course, but my hemo guy really only pays attention to the Hgb number- I determined that watching a mellow concert on YouTube during my phlebotomy is a good way to go so the night prior am sure to have my laptop charged and the wired headphones are always in my laptop case. A positive mental attitude is essential in all of this. Good diet, exercise, and supportive friends and family are important as well

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Replies to "my hematologist and I discussed hydroxyurea but decided ideal way to go is only baby aspirin..."

I have been on hydroxy (500mg) since diagnosed and have really had no bad issues with it since I started. I think that this medication is used to control cell production while the aspirin is used to prevent clotting. I’m down to getting phlebotomy every 4 / 5 months compared to monthly when first started. Being very hydrated for your phlebotomy seems to help it go a lot quicker. My doctor is using my hemoglobin to manage both dosage and phlebotomy frequency and is using 16 as a trigger.