PV - Tight Chest

[Disney71]

Hi everyone.

Firstly - I was at the MPN Voice conference in Birmingham last Friday which was excellent! If you have not been to one before and have an MPN you should try to go. It really is helpful to be with people who are in the same boat and be able to discuss how you are feeling and understand more about MPN's. I would like to say a BIG thank you to Maz for organising it - what a great help to us all you are, THANK YOU!

I have PV and was diagnosed in May 2017. I am 46. I was previously taking Hydrox and have now been changed over to PEG Interferon once a week (135 mg) with 75 mg aspirin.

I started injecting PEG Interferon about a month ago which seems to be controlling my blood counts. However, I have been feeling a few of the PV symptoms again. One which has crept in that seems unusual and a bit bothering is a slightly tight Chest. I do not seem to be short of breath and went for a run yesterday which was fine. So I am wondering if a slightly tight chest can be a symptom of PV?

If anyone else with PV is experiencing anything similar it would be great to hear from you.

Thanks Disney

[johoho]

Hi there, just wondering how long you have been taking aspirin? It can cause the same symptoms, I used to feel like I was about to have a panic attack it got quite bad at times, I now take Lansoprazole for protection and am fine.

[Disney71 in reply to johoho]

Hi Johoho. I've been taking aspirin, 75 mg per day, since March 2017. I thought it could be something to do with that too. However, when i ask my Hematologist if it could be the aspirin she said she didn't think it was likely because i am only taking a small dose.

[johoho in reply to Disney71]

Hi Disney, I only take 75mg and got the exact same symptoms. Taken away by the meds I mentioned before. If for some reason I don't take the Lansoprazole, the symptoms return. Of course, it could be any number of the things described by others on this thread too, all worth investigating. My haem nurse didn't think it would make a difference but my go did. My gp was right in this instance. Good luck!

[Disney71 in reply to johoho]

Thanks Johoho much appreciated!

[Bridie123]

Hi there, could you unwittingly be holding your breath? I do this, and when it was first pointed out to me that I do this, I flatly denied it, I had No idea! 😕

[Inca in reply to Bridie123]

That has been pointed out to me also Bridie.....but is that stress related? my guess it is, then everything tightens up,chest,shoulders....Best wishes.Sally

[Bridie123 in reply to Inca]

Hi Sally, yes I believe it is , because it was while I was having cognitive therapy, that the therapist pointed it out. That was years ago and I find that I still do it! But ofcourse as soon as I pick up that I'm at it again I can do breathing excercise .

Keep breathing, regards, Carole 😉

[Disney71 in reply to Bridie123]

A good tip - thank you! I will make sure i am more aware of how i am breathing.

[Inca]

Hi Disney, I have P V,7 1/2 yrs now,Hydrea and other Meds,.I am often short of breath, It doesn't make any difference if I walk with the dogs,see to my horses,work at my sculpture or whatever!! Dr s say all is clear ,lungs etc. Sometimes I wake up with a tight chest if I sleep an hour or so in the afternoon......I am convinced it is the disease or stress of it. My Dr has prescribed a mild tranquiliser , that actually does help,I suppose as it calms the body and mind .We all seem to have some side effects of drugs too.

Best to you,Yoga breathing exercises are good too. Sally

[Disney71 in reply to Inca]

Hi Sally.

Thank you for your reply always helpful to know others have the same feelings. My wife took me off to a Yoga class last night which did seem to help so I think i will make it a weekly event from now on.

All the best. Disney