Polycythemia Vera and Nutritional Ketosis

Posted by chadknudson @chadknudson, Mar 26, 2018

I was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera several years ago and my treatment regiment has been regular phlebotomies (generally about every four weeks.) I needed to drop some weight so I started a diet plan that would put me in nutritional ketosis. I do not know if the two are related, but I was able to go five months without a phlebotomy. It may just be a coincidence, where I might be stabilizing after the first few years, but I just wanted to pass this along in case it sparked any thoughts from others.

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Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Mar 26, 2018

Hello @chadknudson, and welcome to Connect. If you don't mind me asking, did you consult with your provider about changing your diet? I am not an expert, but I have heard mixed reviews about a keto diet. That is great news that you were able to go five months without a phlebotomy, whether it was your diet or your disease stabalizing. While we wait for others to join the conversation, if you are comfortable, how are you feeling with diagnosis overall?