Hi,I was diagnosed with Polycythaemia vera (PV) last year,it came as a shock as my Doctors had said my bloods were okay even when they came back abnormal.Im on 500mg Hydroxycarbamide,which has this under control and also has had a good effect on my Psoriasis,which I’m clear of.This came on top of a Heart Attack which I had three years ago this month,I have a stent fitted and medication.
This has resulted in Heart Failure but I cope really well,and I turned 70 this year.
I have Arthritis and my left knee has had endless steroid injections,then I had an MRI which showed ,bony growths and the cartilage has gone.I was offered a knee replacement,which I had six weeks ago.I was very apprehensive re the operation,the Blood Cancer and Heart problem.Thankfully I’d read on this forum that another lady had had the knee replacement,so I went ahead.
I’m doing really well,my blood count increased a little but I’m having it checked again this month,I’m sure it will be fine.
So this is to say ,go for it, I was well looked after and when fully recovered,I’ll be able to walk more ,which I love.Sometimes we fear ,the fear instead of just getting the most out of life .
Hello @Wuff400
Welcome to our forum & thank you for your post.
We are so sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Polycythaemia vera (PV), we can imagine this was an overwhelming time for you, and sorry to hear about your heart failure and arthritis. If you’d like to talk over things with someone, please do get in touch on our support line on 0808 2080 888.
We’re glad to hear that you have found reading about others’ experience on the forum helpful and that you are doing well.
Keep posting and keep us updated!
Take care,
Emma (support services nurse)
Hi Emma,Thankyou for your good wishes.Im doing well ,my bloods have returned to normal so another checkup in eight weeks .Then I go back to three months check ups.My consultant has been brilliant and I’m feeling more normal and the knee is doing okay.I am fortunate I have no side effects of the chemo tablets ,which I will take forever.
That is great news @Wuff400 ,thanks so much for letting us all know.
Really look after yourself though and keep posting
Hello Erica
I’m new to this forum and have just posted about the hurdles I am having to jump to get fit for a much needed hip replacement (I am recently diagnosed with essential throbocythemia).
I’m very pleased to know that your procedure went well and that you can resume your normal life. I had both knees replaced 11/12 years ago and it transformed my life for the better, until this present hip problem.
Best of luck to you for the future.