I was diagnosed in 1990 after thinking I had an allergy to something that was causing my terrible disabling itching. After finding I had no allergies. I found a doctor whose diagnostic ability was outstanding. She asked if I always had a ruddy complexion, no. Were my eyes always blood shot, no.
She sent me to a blood doctor and after CAT scans and many blood tests he said I had Polycythemia Vera. I went to the University of Illinois Medical Library because I had to know what it was. Never heard of it. It was for old men who smoked.
Information is better now with the MPN Foundation. I have been dealing with this for 26 years and always want to learn, help, and share. When you are newly diagnosed it is very scary.
Contributed by Jennifer Acker
These represent first person accounts of real people living with Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis. It does not represent the views or opinions of anyone associated with the MPN Research Foundation. Please consult your doctor before taking any action to manage your health.