Suspecting Polycythemia Vera: Challenges in Diagnosis

Panelists share their challenges in diagnosing polycythemia vera, such as differentiating it from other diseases with similar presentations and the consideration of repeat testing.

[MalikaBourne]

Those "continuous variables" and "trying to weave all of these factors together". I've had the first-hand experience of trying to get someone to diagnose so I could be treated. I had done my research before my doctor's frustration with me gave up then send me to the right specialist who gave me the right tests and gave me the diagnosis that I was pretty sure was my problem.

Thank you for this video that allows me to see the physician side of PV.

[davidhefner]

First....start listening to your patients. How many times have we heard..."only if we discovered the cancer earlier..." I believe I have had this condition for many years. Only until did I dismiss the VA and found a real doctor to check my blood.

[estdwellerever]

But can a bone marrow test be a false negative? . I have high RBC and extreme fatigue for months. Dr keep saying they find nothing too significant and treat me like I’m hypochondriac. Drs can be very indifferent to patient’s needs. I consider it almost a waste of time to go. I’ve been continuously sick for 4 years. But “we can’t find anything, you’re probably mental. Also I’m just now being told I have stage 4 CKD. My new kidney Dr said looking through my records I’ve had it for a LONG time but no one was paying attention or cared.