At MPN Voice patient forums, questions about itch, (pruritus) are probably one of the most common, and it’s well documented that itchy skin is a common symptom of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in particular in polycythaemia vera (PV). Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant itching sensation that leads to intensive scratching and MPN patients often suffer…
Whenever possible, plan ahead with your haematologist and surgeon. Even if you have a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that is under good control and are doing well from day to day there may be an occasion where you may need an operation. Understandably, many people with MPNs feel concerned when facing surgery. Here are some tips…
These tips for reducing side effects have been compiled by MPN Specialist Nurses. If you take interferon If you take interferon and suffer from fatigue it can sometimes help to: Take more injections of a lower dose (e.g. 3 × 3 MU vs 2 × 4.5 MU) Change the time of your injection Switch brands…
For some patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), going through the stages of illness, diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle adaptation, intimacy can slip off the radar. A psychologist from the US Mayo clinic offers these tips for renewing intimacy. It can be very difficult to raise concerns with your haematologist or GP about how illness affects…
Fatigue is a big challenge for many patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), perhaps the worst in patients with myelofibrosis (MF), but clearly it is present in many patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and polycythaemia vera (PV) as well. Multiple things can contribute to this including the disease, medications that are used to treat the MPN…
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly in the legs. For patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) it is important to avoid the risk of DVTs wherever possible. Common signs and symptoms of DVT include pain or tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness or discolouration, and distention of…
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are usually diagnosed in older patients, but people who are young enough to conceive need to consider their contraceptive choices carefully, whilst women approaching menopause and offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also need to be informed of the potential added risks of HRT. Contraceptives – considerations/risks As with any decision concerning contraception…