Good morning, @ausableriver. Oh gosh, I know that feeling of defeat when we realize we’re not super human after all. Blood conditions can really clip us right off at the knees and don’t play fair. As much as we want to keep life to absolute normal there will be days when your body will tell your brain, “Not today, sweetheart! I have other plans for you.” Those are the days you listen to your body and get the rest you need.

As a strong and active person, listening to your body will be one of your biggest challenges. But it doesn’t ever mean that you’re weak or giving in. We all have sucky days and it’s ok to give in sometimes. I don’t have PV but I did have acute myeloid leukemia and a bone marrow transplant. I’m coming up on my 4th rebirth day and feel really good. Cancer is in remission and I have lot of energy. But wow, every once in a while, when I have done too much physically or even mentally, I am wiped for the next few days. Maybe it’s my age or maybe it’s me just being human instead of a bionic woman, but i can’t help feeling a touch of anxiety on those days.

I wear mild compression stockings. Not TED stockings which are very tight. I’ve gotten compression sleeves that athletes wear for running. They’re not super tight but are supportive enough to keep blood from pooling. They also help keep my legs feeling energetic on days where I’m sitting or on my feet for an extended period of time. I also have other mild compression socks that have cute designs and colors that and are fun to wear and don’t look like ‘medical’ stockings. Shudder…I’m pushing 70 but don’t want to look it. ☺️ Some medical supply stores have them but honestly, I shop on Amazon where there’s quite a big selection.

Other members with PV who might be able to give you some personal insights on what to do when you’re having a really compressive PV day are fellow members
@yitz @jjdownes01 @albertedward @dale1k @treeore @jerrlin @casevin7 and others in this conversation regarding PV and fatigue:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pv-and-fatigue/
I know this is all very new to you and quite frightening. If I remember correctly you’re still waiting for a firm diagnosis with your PV and aren’t on any treatment. Do you take a daily baby aspirin? You may also want to call your doctor’s office and let them know of your symptoms. They may get you in for a phlebotomy to remove some of the excess blood which can help get your numbers under control. Have they mentioned that to you yet?