What is the polycythemia vera life expectancy?

Polycythemia vera - Possible Diagnosis?

• I am waiting for some results to come back and naturally I am curious as to what might be wrong with me. I had an unexplained massive PE in 2006 followed by another large blood clot mid 2009. I am now on warfarin for life but the reasons for my clots has never been explained. I am a healthy, non smoking/drinking 33 year old male of average height and build. I do have some recurrent symptoms relavent to PV and this was cited on my medical report in 2006 as a possible diagnosis but this was never followed up or actually diagnosed. My symptoms are shortness of breath and sharp pains in my right lung Lethargy, tiredness, sleep disruption and breathlessness. Pins and needles in my left arm / hand during the night. I do have a high HB but it is only just over and these symptoms come and go. I am waiting for results from full blood count, renal tract ultrasound and chest x-ray. Does it sound like PV, is there such a thing a mild PV? Thanks

• Answer:

  I have PV. The only way to know for sure is with a blood test for JAK2 mutations or a bone marrow biopsy. Your Hematocrit should be 50 or above to be concerned.