Hi there ain’t posted in a while but one thing I’ve noticed on peg and s my mood seems to be low and not interested in doing anything fun as we speak I’m on holiday with me dad and would rather stay in caravan also I’ve noticed without my glasses I cannot see a thing everything is blurry I have wore glasses for 10 years now also noticed that I’m severely tired all time. Rang my CNS about mental health and she said do u feel suicidal I said no just down I do have diagnosed depression but I stopped taking the mirtazapine as it makes feel like I’ve had 10 pints in n the morning just to add I think I’ve said before but n here spleen size at diagnosis in nov was 14.9 cm I’m on peg once a fortnight 90
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Hi @djleighp Perhaps I would write a diary of events, how my symptoms have changed since I had have been on this medication and their severity as I find it shows it up so clearly.
I have learnt to be pleasantly assertive at appointments and ask what the medical person can suggest.
Please do let us know how you get on and really look after yourself
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Dear @djleighp,
I am so glad that you reached out! I am sorry to read how low you are feeling.
Unfortunately pegasys can cause low mood and depression which can range in severity. If you have a diagnosis of depression already you may well be more susceptible to these symptoms. It is great you have spoken to your CNS but I do think its important you raise this again given how much this is affecting your day to day life.
Was it your GP who originally started you on Mirtazapine? Do they know you have stopped? I think it would be an idea to have a discussion with whoever started the medication and important to flag that you are now on pegasys which could make things worse.
Can I also ask if you have a planned appointment with your haematologist? Its really important that you continue to report these symptoms so they can be appropriately managed.
We are very much here for you if you would like to talk things through, you can call us on 0808 2080 888.
Best Wishes,
Heidi J (Support Services Nurse)
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Thanks I will make a appointment with my GP but to be quiet honest I don’t trust my GP as he was given an big to put me o n iron tablets as my iron was low to said don’t you know anything about polycythemia Vera I have blood draws so therefore I’m going to have very low iron in really do not trust my gp at all
Maybe time to change doctors I think
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@Erica thanks that’s a very good idea to keep a diary
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Hey there @djleighp just saw your post and wondered how you’re feeling a few days later? I’m sorry to read of that low mood. You’re not alone in feeling rubbish while living with Polycythaemia vera (PV), but I’m so glad you’re seeking ways to manage it.
Hopefully your holiday is helping too. A change is as good as a rest, as they say!
Do let us know how you’re getting on.
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Hi duncan the doctor as noe changed my meds put me on prozac dunno if that a good or bad thing
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Oh @djleighp, I’m so glad you spoke to your doctor. Hopefully they explained that Prozac is usually the first SSRI antidepressant offered as it has so much research behind it. It can take a fortnight or so to kick in, so maybe keep that in mind.
As a therapist I’m biased but I’d say having therapy alongside taking an antidepressant is the ideal for helping to get to the root of the low moods, while the medicine alone can help take the edge off them.
Keep note of any changes to moods as I’m sure your doctor and any therapist you might see would be interested. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that your moods improve!