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Cannot get severe itching under control

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bernard42121
bernard42121

I am 80 years old and was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera at the beginning of this year and have had several venesections to keep everything under control.  I have had itching for a number of years and it is now getting to a stage where it is unbearable.  I am on antihystamine tablets and my consultant has recommended Doxepin capsules at night time, which make you very drousy.  They have helped a bit but the itching is really bad after a shower (barely warm) and at night time.

Various people have mentioned multivitamins with iron but I was told to avoid iron in my diet, ie. red meat, spinach etc.  Were those people put onto these vitamins by their consultants?

Any help would be appreciated

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • harrishill1
    harrishill1 bernard42121

    Posted

    Hi Bernardi have pv also and the itching is always worse after a hot shower before   bed. I  am  usually a little low on iron, I looked it up online.I read  that we shd not replace it with vitamins. We are trying to lower  red  blood  count . Once you have

    been treated  for a while hopefully the itching  will lessen. Mine did. I take Hydroxyurea. hope you find a good anti-itch lotion.

    harrishill

  • harrishill1
    harrishill1 bernard42121

    Posted

    Hi, Bernard. I shd have mentioned that Hydroxyurea was prescribed by my hematologist to control my high red count. Your doctor may not want to use it, cause some people have moreside effects . I seem to handle it very well. I just think as mmy bloodg ot lowered enough, I wasn't as itchy as before. However, is till get itchy after my evening shower. since it;s so hot here  in southern California,

    I take cool showers. Lots of  luck,

    harrishill 

  • james03855
    james03855 bernard42121

    Posted

    I like you suffered with itching. I lost nights upon nights of sleep but the last sleeping tablets I got are terrific the name is Dalmane you would need to consult your md I hope this helps 
  • jill58843
    jill58843 bernard42121

    Posted

    Hi I was diagnosed with PVR over 12 years ago thankfully it seems to be under control although it took a few years to sort out medication 
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