DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband has been diagnosed with polycythemia vera. He produces too many red blood cells. Tell me what to expect in your expert opinion. Our doctors don’t tell us too much, except that he should be OK.
DEAR READER: Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder in which bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. In some cases, it may also cause an overproduction of white blood cells and platelets. Whatever the reason, an excess of red blood cells causes the blood to thicken. Your husband may have had the condition for a number of years without ever knowing it. It’s likely he either finally developed symptoms or had laboratory work performed for another reason or as part of a routine annual examination. [Read more...]