Connect
← Return to Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed
Discussion
Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (400)Comment receiving replies
Ha! Has anyone walked into the Dr. and said, "hey, I think I have this?". So, to answer your question about symptoms - a lot of pain (but chalked it up to being old). a lot of exhaustion (but chalked it up to high demanding job/life), and some memory issues - but chalked it up to all of the above. Since the age of 26 I've experienced panic attacks which typically started from a heart palpitation or feeling dizzy - always chalked this to anxiety. I still have much to find out about this, and despite anything I read, my goal is to keep my life exactly as it is now (maybe less memory problems, dizziness, exhaustion, and joint pain) for as long as I possibly can, From that, come what may.
Replies to "Ha! Has anyone walked into the Dr. and said, "hey, I think I have this?". So,..."
Yes, that’s exactly what I did. For two years, I had uncontrollable itching and no other symptoms, even my blood was at a good level but after going to dermatologist and doing research I found polycythemia vera. I wrote it on a piece of paper and took it in to my doctor and she said yes, I do think you have it because at that point my blood counts were up she did the Jack 2 test and sent me to an oncologist hematologist. so glad I continue to research
Connect
You may find with treatment you’ll have fewer symptoms. Having too many red blood cells (high hematocrit, high hemoglobin) can elicit some of those symptoms you’re talking about.
Since PV develops slowly you may have had this for several years.
Did you already have the blood work and now you’re just waiting to see about any mutations?
What were your hematocrit and hemoglobin numbers?