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Suggest Proper Treatment For Polycythemia Vera
Hi... My husband was diagnosed with polycythemia vera a number of years ago. He has been on hydroxyuria and gets phlabodimies (I know I am spelling these words wrong) when the dr. feels he needs them. My husband keeps records of his counts every time he goes. His doctor doesn t explain anything to him. The numbers have been within range many times and he still is told he needs to get the phlabodomy. We are concerned that the long term usage of the medication could be dangerous. We would like to get another opinion but all our hematologist /oncologists are in the same group and they won t allow us to change. We are frustrated and don t know what to do or where to turn. We would rather not go out of town. Actually, we did at one point and we felt that the doctor didn t want to get involved once my husbands doctor contacted her. What do you suggest we do? Thank you for your time. P. Watson
Mon, 27 Oct 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Please do not get disheartened and distressed.
Polycythemia is a chronic disease of blood cells.
The disease can be controlled but it cannot be cured permanently.
The red blood cell counts have to be kept under control to prevent the complications caused by high blood counts.
The aggressive of disease is associated with its complications like occlusion of blood small blood vessels. Occlusion of blood vessels can lead to ischemia, thrombosis and even hemorrhage.
Treatment of polycythelia is phlebotomy which involves bleeding of patient to reduced red cell mass.
Hydroxyurea is the drug which keeps a check on proliferation of red blood cells.
The drug dosage is monitored keeping in view its side effects.
Thus, monitor your blood counts.
Phlebotomy and drugs have to be continued to control the disease.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Please do not get disheartened and distressed.
Polycythemia is a chronic disease of blood cells.
The disease can be controlled but it cannot be cured permanently.
The red blood cell counts have to be kept under control to prevent the complications caused by high blood counts.
The aggressive of disease is associated with its complications like occlusion of blood small blood vessels. Occlusion of blood vessels can lead to ischemia, thrombosis and even hemorrhage.
Treatment of polycythelia is phlebotomy which involves bleeding of patient to reduced red cell mass.
Hydroxyurea is the drug which keeps a check on proliferation of red blood cells.
The drug dosage is monitored keeping in view its side effects.
Thus, monitor your blood counts.
Phlebotomy and drugs have to be continued to control the disease.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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