Polycythemia: Does anyone have a problem with dryness?

Yes my eyes are dry so I use Systane eye drops. I also notice that my vision is sometimes blurry.
And for my last blood draw earlier this week, it took forever to fill the bag. My blood is getting thicker.

Thanks for your response.
I also was recommended eye drops. I also had the same problem with my
last blood draw. This week I went to my eye doctor and my ears are very dry. He suggested a few
drops of oil.
My conclusion is I am getting very dehydrated especially with regards to the blood draw.
I am going to increase my water consumption. But I hope someone has found a better solution.

Certainly, I have found dry eyes a problem for some time now, despite being diagnosed with PV in the last 6 months... I use eye drops that do help-Thealoz Duo Gel. They are certainly more expensive, but they do tend to lubricate well. I use the single use vials every night. Having a blood draw this afternoon - last time I had to press on my arm throughout to get the blood to flow more quickly. Drinking water is great, if you have access to wash rooms wherever you go.. I am over 80, and it is always a challenge.

Yep, that all happens along with burning feet and fatigue. Then when you take the chemo pill, your hair begins to thin and your nails become extra brittle. But the end result is to deal with the disease as best as possible and live productively.

Many times the phlebotomist hits the wall of the vein and they have to push or wiggle the needle constantly instead of re poking us. I’ve been doing the blood draws for over a year now. Every week 6 in a row for every four and now about every 8 weeks. This has happens maybe four times? It’s very uncomfortable but we all just deal. I’m always super hydrated so I know for me it’s not an issue. I also get the burning feet and fatigue. Pills suck. Currently only doing 3X a week. Started as 7X but I’m aware that will always be changing 🙄

I am 73 year old, widow. No family near my location.
Two years ago I had Covid. Eighteen months later I had a CBC and was immediately sent to hematologist without any explanation except that the Hematologist would take care of me. Hematologist has been pleasant but non-informative. After four phlebotomies 4-6 weeks apart, and my red, white, hemoglobin, hematocrits were within an acceptable range…..my platelets had doubled to 800+ I have been self managing the blood issues with diet, moderate exercise, and resr. I have requested a second CBC with no response. My dr. Said, “why would you want to do that?” I wanted to confirm the diagnosis of JAK2 mutation. I did have bone marrow biopsy which removed “quite a large amount” of marrow. Today I find I am over producing histamines which increase platelets! So, anyone have same issue? Now doing More research and diet modifications to control platelet increasing and histamine increasing foods.
Otherwise, I feel well and continue volunteer work and attending church, socializing. I do endure frequent fatigue and am constantly hungry!
God bless you all. Merry Christmas!
M

I have polycythemia as well. I discovered that my terrible itch and hives lasting about 30-minutes due to showers or any water on my skin stopped with long baths of 25-30 minutes. It works!
Rob

Having polycythemia is very lonely as it seems to be so rare. It does help to hear from others and how they are coping.
It is really great to get some tips on dealing with it.
Too many showers definitely is a problem.

I have had PV for a year and a half.At first after 3 blood clots in 2 days they tested me and I am positive Pv. So I had a blood drop every week for about 3 months and then hydroxyurea got it in control.At one time my blood was so thick I had 3 nurses poking 5 needles into me and 2 hrs later it filled the bag.They were more nervous then me.But things get much better in time as they adjust the hydroxyurea. And I am feeling good compared to a year ago.This is a great site and gives lots of good information. We'll I wish you all aMerry Xmas and the best for the New Year.

I am 75 years old and was diagnosed three years ago with PCV and Jak 2 positive. Itching is sometimes unbearable. I take antihistamines morning and night which helps tremendously. I was put on Hydroxyurea for 2 weeks and after the first week started feeling great, no more fatigue or headaches. Itching was less severe but my platelets dropped from 337 to 57. Now off Hydroxyurea until blood draws in 2 weeks and adjust from there. I think one has to be patient and informed. It’s a balancing act that will have to be adjusted the rest of my life. Ask questions.