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Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed

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

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@margrethe

I am a 25 year old female and was diagnosed with PV about two weeks ago. I believe it is more of a preliminary diagnosis since my hematology/oncology appt isn’t until July 17th. Anyway, the numbers that caught the doctors eye was my hemoglobin at 16.8 and hematocrit at 49.8. I got more blood work a month later to see if I could get it lowered and I did, to a 15.8 and 45.8. I did this by more water intake (as I am always dehydrated), aspirin and exercise. I am very nervous about my Oncologist appointment coming up but it is a ways away and I still am battling fatigue and shortness of breath every day. Should I push for more blood work and for some sort of immediate relief? Or just ride it out and see what they say in July. I am very nervous about the diagnosis and my doctor hasn’t said much else so I am left to google and to stress myself out. After the diagnosis now I really just want to know more and what I need to do to feel better.

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Replies to "I am a 25 year old female and was diagnosed with PV about two weeks ago...."

Hi @margrethe, I can imagine with such a new diagnosis, yet to be confirmed you have many questions. I moved your post to this existing discussion

- Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polycythemia-vera-1/

I did this so you can browse the previous posts and connect easily with other PV members like @robinll @nypara66 @learnandlive @itsmepeggysue @new2this @seamus1010 @csgreetings and many more.

I understand your wish to improve your symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue while you wait for your appointment with the hematologist.

You might find that these breathing exercises help both with shortness of breath and the anxiety you're experiencing:
- Looking for breathing and lung strengthening exercise videos https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-for-exercise-videos/

Good for you for exercising. Have you found a good way to find the right amount for you and to pace yourself?

Very boarder line.👍