Frances D

Frances D, 85 years old. I was diagnosed with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) in March 2018, after moving to a new GP who spotted my high platelets, and referred me to haematology where ET was diagnosed and confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy. I felt well physically, and the diagnosis I received, along with the information…

Dorothy B

Dorothy B, aged 75 “We can deal with this.” I was diagnosed with PV in early July 2020 and although I was a bit shocked at the news, I was assured by my specialist: “We can deal with this.” Prior to my diagnosis, during a weekend at the end of May, I had been feeling…

Colin S

Colin S – aged 67 In 2003 a routine military blood test indicated a haematocrit over 50 which led to an appointment with a haematology consultant for investigation. The initial thoughts were Haemachromatosis and I also had Rosacea. However, after a year of inconclusive analysis I visited my GP practice to ask for a second…

Charlie C

Charlie C 26 years old I have Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET), which was officially diagnosed in December 2020, one month after I presented with symptoms. Being a doctor myself has made this a very strange and surreal experience; having medical knowledge has been mostly helpful, but it has also made things difficult at times.  In November…

Brenda F

Brenda F – aged 68 My MPN was discovered through a bone marrow check, as my white cells had been increasing. I was shocked when I was first diagnosed, but I am fortunate to have the help of a great team at Guy’s hospital. In terms of the challenges of living with an MPN, I…

Alisia

Alisia O – aged 60 I’m a wife and mother of two beautiful girls.  I was diagnosed in 2008 with essential thrombocythaemia. Emotions of diagnosis Apart from a number of recurrent miscarriages, up until that point I had generally been fit and healthy and it was only through trying to donate blood that my high…