Polycythemia vera is a condition that can cause your blood cells to grow rapidly. This makes the situation more dangerous than it would be without this growth since the excess red blood cells in the body are not as easily controlled by the liver. Your doctor may suggest a bone marrow transplant if you have severe cases of polycythemia vera, although this treatment is not without risk and side effects. There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but there are some things you can do to ease symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a blood cancer that causes red blood cells to grow abnormally fast. As a result, PV can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to cure PV naturally, prevent it from returning, and avoid its potential side effects. In the past, people with PV would have been told to take a pill, undergo surgery, or have their spleen removed.
Fortunately, there is another option that is more effective and less invasive. This is the first in a series of blogs that we hope will give you some insight into the causes and treatment of polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera is a rare cancerous disease affecting the blood cells, mainly the red blood cells. It’s caused by a gene mutation that produces a protein called JAK2, which increases the production of RBCs (red blood cells) and causes abnormally high blood levels in the body.
What is polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a blood cancer that causes red blood cells to grow abnormally fast. As a result, PV can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. A common symptom of PV is an enlarged spleen, which makes removing the spleen a possible treatment. However, the most common method of medicine today is phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from the body through a vein. There are several methods of performing phlebotomy. The most common way is venipuncture, which requires a needle to pierce the skin and draw blood. A newer method is the vacuum-assisted method, which uses a device to remove blood without puncturing the skin.
What causes polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera is a blood cancer that causes red blood cells to grow abnormally fast. As a result, PV can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. There are two types of PV: primary and secondary. Primary PV is caused by a mutation in a gene called JAK2, which causes the production of certain proteins involved in erythropoiesis. These proteins stimulate the production of red blood cells, causing the disease to progress. Secondary PV is caused by bone marrow failure, and the underlying cause is unknown.
The most common treatment for polycythemia vera is hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea is a medication that inhibits the production of JAK2 proteins and slows the growth of PV cells. While the drug is effective, it is not always successful, so a few other options are available. For example, patients can undergo splenectomy, which removes the spleen. It is a relatively simple procedure with little risk and effectively treats PV.
Another option is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this procedure, healthy blood cells are transplanted into the patient’s body, where they will then develop into new red blood cells. However, this major surgery is more expensive than hydroxyurea and splenectomy. Patients also require several months of recovery before returning to normal life.
What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia Vera is a rare condition that causes red blood cells to grow abnormally fast. This makes blood thicker and more oxygen-rich than normal, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and shortness of breath. However, there are a few things that you can do to manage the condition naturally. The most common symptom of PV is fatigue. The increased oxygen levels in the blood can cause this. As a result, PV sufferers should stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise.
Treatment options for polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a blood cancer that causes red blood cells to grow abnormally fast. As a result, polycythemia vera can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. In the past, people with polycythemia vera would have been told to take a pill, undergo surgery, or have their spleen removed. Fortunately, there is another option that is more effective and less invasive. There are many treatment options for polycythemia vera, and here is a comprehensive list of treatments available:
Blood transfusions
The most common treatment is a blood transfusion. Transfusions are often necessary when a patient has too much red blood cell mass. The transfusion can be given as an intravenous drip or a subcutaneous injection.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is often recommended for patients who do not require a blood transfusion. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to damage the bone marrow, causing it to stop producing new blood cells. The most common form of radiation is called proton therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is another alternative treatment option. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. There are many types of chemotherapy, and they are often combined to treat PV.
Splenectomy
Another option for polycythemia vera is a splenectomy. Splenectomy removes the spleen and is often recommended for patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy or radiation therapy. While this is an invasive procedure, it is effective.
When should you seek treatment for polycythemia vera?
Most polycythemia vera patients will only need to take medication, including hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea slows the production of red blood cells, thereby reducing the number of red blood cells in the body. This helps to keep the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit down. Hydroxyurea is taken daily and works best when started as soon as possible after diagnosis. It can take several months for most patients to reach their full potential, so it is important to start taking the drug as early as possible. It is possible to stop taking the medication for some time. Still, it is important to note that polycythemia vera patients are at a higher risk of developing leukemia. The longer you have the disease, the more likely you are to develop leukemia.
Frequently asked questions about polycythemia vera.
Q: How did you find out about polycythemia vera?
A: I went in for a blood test, and the doctor told me my blood count was abnormal.
Q: What does it feel like to have polycythemia vera?
A: It feels like there is always something going on with me. My nose always bleeds, but I can’t have surgery because I am too young. My nose has grown so big, and it’s affected my confidence. I also get headaches a lot.
Q: Have you ever had to change doctors?
A: Yes. When I first learned about polycythemia vera, my doctor was a family doctor. She said she didn’t know what to do with me because she hadn’t seen anyone like me. So she referred me to another doctor.
Q: How did you learn to live with it?
A: I just learned to adapt to it. You know to ignore it because you’re not worried about it when you’re young. You keep living.
Q: Has polycythemia ever been a problem for you?
A: Yes. I have had to go through many tests because they don’t know what to do with me. They have to do many tests before they can say anything.
Q: What are some symptoms of polycythemia vera?
A: I always have an abnormally high blood count. My nose bleeds all the time. Sometimes I get a headache or dizziness. Sometimes my fingers swell up. I also bruise easily. I have had to get shots for blood transfusions.
Q: How long does the average person live with polycythemia?
A: Some people live with it for years, but most die within a few years.
Myths about polycythemia vera
1. Polycythemia vera is rare.
2. Polycythemia vera only occurs in older people.
3. Polycythemia vera can only occur due to an autoimmune problem.
Conclusion
Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a chronic disease that affects red blood cells. It can also cause increased bone marrow production. This results in abnormally high numbers of red blood cells and platelets. Polycythemia Vera is a rare disease that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people. People with PV may feel tired and weak. They may also experience headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath.