Hi @draney, not getting enough air can sure make a person feel panicky. You have Polycythemia Vera and unfortunately one of the side effects can be a shortness of breath. Red blood cells carry oxygen through our body. But in the case of PV too many blood cells are ‘crowding the Highway’ and not enough oxygen is getting through. Another thing to be aware of is that PV can also impact the spleen causing it to work overtime and that in turn can enlarge that organ. Do you feel worse when you’re lying down or after eating?

It’s very important to drink plenty of water during the day and ideally a person should aim towards at least 64 ounces. I know that seems like a lot of water but it really helps in keeping the blood thin too and all the systems flushed. Start slowly, increasing the amount daily. I found that room temperature water is much easier to get down in larger volumes.

I read in your other replies that you’re on a blood thinner and Jakafi to help control the overabundance of red blood cells. Are your blood numbers staying at a good limit now?