PV Question

[josup26]

Hello all I have PV for now my treatment has just been Phlebotomy and aspirin. I am experiencing some numbness in my right thumb and middle finger. Is this a side effect of PV?

[quonut]

Hi, Josup26, Shortly before i was diagnosed with PV i was experiencing Numbness in my fingers, starting it my fingers tips and then slowly creeping up my fingers over time, over a period of a few months the numbness became more and more frequent until it became a daily event. I was not overly worried because in general i felt fine, living and working as normal. On my next routine GP check up i was informed that my platelet count was high and i was referred to Haematology at my local hospital, That was when i suppose my life changed when i was diagnosed with PV, i was immediately treated with Interferon alpha injections, venesetion and aspirin, I do not mean to alarm you but i was told that the numbness was a TIA ( Transient ischemic attact), this may not the case with you, but i do recommend that you speak with your consultant and mention your symptom of numbness in your fingers. I wish you all the best. regards.

Patrick.

[josup26 in reply to quonut]

Thank you for your reply. Since your treatment has the numbness diminished?

[quonut in reply to josup26]

Yes, after treatment began, i no longer have any issues with numbness.

[josup26 in reply to quonut]

Thank you so much. I wish you the best of health.

[Hidden]

Hi, I have E.T. and have recently been experiencing numbness in some fingers and toes. My platelets have come down to around 430. I had a telephone consultation with my MPN specialist two days ago, he said it was caused by circulation, didn’t mention TIA and has increased the dose of Pegasys.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Josup26, you need to discuss this with you haematologist or the specialist nurse. Best wishes, Maz

[hunter5582]

Paresthesia is one of the possible effects of PV. Circulation problems in extremities are also a potential issue. As quonut mentioned, neurologic issues are possible, though I would expect that to be more transient. Regardless, it is certainly something to follow up on with your treatment team.

Hope you get it sorted out ASAP.

[josup26 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you Hunter. You always provide useful information. I see my Doctor next week so will have a talk with him. Actually today the numbness feels a bit better. Seems to come and go. Thanks again!

[hunter5582 in reply to josup26]

That would make me really suspicious re. circulation issues. Hyperviscosity is a problem with PV. If you in thrombocytosis as well as erythrocytosis that could play a role. FYI - I used to experience issues with my limbs "falling asleep" a lot. Once the phlebotomies brought the erythrocytosis under control, it has not been an issue. Note - it also reduced my BP back into the normal range. Hyperviscosity is not our friend!

[josup26 in reply to hunter5582]

Once again thanks I appreicate your info!

[JaK2ET]

I hope your appointment with the doctor went well and that you are getting the help you need.