can polycythaemia just disappear

Hi Moira, this makes perfect sense as you likely had secondary polycythemia, which is an increase in red blood counts due to external causes like smoking, sleep apnea, high altitudes, etc. Secondard polycythemia is not a chronic condition and can be resolved when the cause of the increased blood cells is identified and fixed. Polycythemia Vera (PV), or primary polycythemia, is not caused by smoking, diet, etc. but is usually caused by a generic mutation in the bone marrow cells which cause overproduction of red cells along with white cells. PV is not curable and is treated with removal of blood (phlebotomy), low-dose aspirin, and some prescribed meds like Hydroxyurea, ruxolitinib, pegylated interferon. Those with PV can only manage the condition, although there are some cases of remission with interferon. So you are lucky to have had secondard polycythemia and been able to fix it by stopping smoking! Best regards for continued good health. Bill

Hi Moira,

PRV means Polycythaemia Rubra Vera.  It is not greatly different to the basic PV but caused by some different but not dissimilar causes.  Secondary Polycythaemia is a true increase in the number of red cells in the absence of the characteristic features of a myeloma proliferative disorder (MPN) and which has an identifiable cause.  There are many possible causes but mainly either a reduction in the oxygen content of the blood which lead to an increasing red cell production by the bone marrow, abnormally high levels of erythropoietin (produced in kidneys) or if this level is normal then perhaps an increased red cell mass which may be called Absolute Polycythaemia.  There is also an increase typified as Idiopathic erythrocytosis.  An excess of red cells in Secondary PV where the bone marrow is induced to produce more red cells is called hypoxic secondary PV which can be caused by smoking.  There are other factors but there is no need to amplify these but idiopathic erythrocytosis describes an increase in the red cell mass without evidence for a diagnosis.  It might just be that you need further tests to exclude a hidden diagnosis of PRV.  Basically you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of PRV or secondary PV before any treatment will be effected so would suggest you await further blood tests results from your haematologist and be guided by what is said.  If your medic says you don't test for PV after all this then it must be considered good news.  Hope you can ingest this.   Good luck.

Peter. 

Hi Moira,

Polycythaemia is not generally qualified as an hereditary condition but in medics anything could be possible.

Neither is it deemed transferrable,

.Peter.

Hi Moira,

You may use the website as a source of latest information of PV:

59th Annual Meeting and Exposition (December 9-12, 2017)

Number: 320

Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b Induces High Rates of Clinical, Hematological and Molecular Responses in Polycythemia Vera: Two-Year Results from the First Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b is expected to be the first interferon approved for PV and the only EMA approved first-line treatment for Polycythemia Vera (PV) possibly next year.

I think the new generation interferon(P1101) may a good choice for a effect and permanent cure !!

Best wishes