Anyone struggling with Polycythemia Vera, low iron and Hypothyroidism?

Hello, I'm sorry to hear of your challenges that sound quite to similar to my own. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 30 years ago. I have been able to manage it well with Synthroid tweeking dosages based on my levels. My potassium level was minimally low and I took potassium pills off and on over the years. But last year, I was diagnosed with PV, began phlebotomies, and continue them every 4-6 weeks. My iron became quite low but am now responding to a med called Integra. My hematologist also prescribed an effervescent tablet called Effer-K for the potassium and it has helped tremendously. The drink is much more tolerable than the "horse pill" potassium tablets.
After years of chronic fatigue, worsening muscle weakness, and growing difficulty with balance/gate, I have gone to physical therapy and my fiance gave me a gym membership and I go religiously 3x weekly. I don't mean to bore you with my medical history, but it is complex. I had a stroke 14 years ago but with wonderful rehab, I was back on my feet in a week. I was also diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2016. Given the stroke, I took it seriously, remained compliant with my meds and diet. I have lost about 30 pounds.
The PV diagnosis last year was quite overwhelming. I was already taking a blood thinner and aspirin daily from the stroke. I am fortunate to have a loving, supportive partner who cooks healthy iron-rich meals and allows me to cry on her shoulder sometimes. But she encourage me to KEEP MOVING. At 65 I expected arthritis, but the overall stiffness, joint and muscular pain, and fatigue are quite a challenge. I am headed to my Planet Fitness shortly and there I discovered an apparatus called TruStretch that has been a game changer for me. It allows me to place my hands and feet at various positions to target specific muscle groups to "loosen the sludge".
I am fortunate to have had good insurance, good doctors who provided options along the way, and a great life partner of four years. I am a practicing psychotherapist and feel obligated to encourage you to take good care of your mental health as well. Your conditions put you at a significant risk of depression/anxiety. I don't mean to sound rude, but it helps to talk with someone with experience in seeing people with chronic medical conditions.
I suspect your arms feel like pin cushions from all those blood tests-mine too. My next medical quest is to ask if the JAK2 might be affecting my muscles, balance, and walking.
I hope ALL this might be of help and I don't mind beginning a conversation if you like. Good luck!

Good morning and God bless you for sharing. Your message has brought me a “ray of hope” and I thank you. Our health Journeys appear similar - especially regarding balance, gait and other mobility issues. Although I’m certain they’re also varied enough to not share “blanket theories”, etc.
If I may share a little of my own experiences: I have been in treatment for Hypothyroidism and low-iron/blood issues for over 30 years. That in itself has been a roller coaster of symptoms, medications, side effects, etc…… Then came my diagnosis of PV 3 years ago. I initially walked with a cane, then a Rollator; but after weekly phlebotomies, then 18 months of Hyroxyurea, plus age-related illnesses, - I am now wheelchair bound. Still, my Spirit and Faith remain strong and I put my Life in God’s Hands each day to be and do the best I can. I so appreciate that you mentioned maintaining good Mental Health through talking with others. My personality and career have been one of always helping others and not focusing on myself - but now that I’m on my own (my family are all in Heaven), I’m learning that it’s okay to ask for help and receive help for myself without “feeling guilty.” I fear I’m painting a dismal picture here - for I am truly blessed!! I had wonderful parents and a church-family whom provided a firm foundation of love, faith and support throughout my life. And now, I am blessed with a wonderful retirement home, 2 adorable cats, friends, kind neighbors and memories that hold me up on the “extra-rough days.” So while my retirement years have not been what I had planned - I still have much to be thankful for and a desire to keep enjoying Life!
Thank you again for reaching out and sharing a bit of your own Journey. I appreciate it.

I am so glad to hear that you are allowing yourself to receive grace that you have extended to others for many years.

Thank you.