New here...

Like many people these days I've spent so much time chatting on the internet, in chat rooms and forums but for some unknown reason I never saw myself needing to chat to people about illness. 

Looking at it now I find that weird I've had so many physical and mental health problems that I deal with and as I volunteer psychiatric peer support worker I spend my life talking to people about their illnesses and recovery. 

On Monday I completed my first diploma in health and social care, I'm on the long road that is to become a nurse... yet I still never considered I'd be here. 

Ive just been diagnosed with polycythaemia Vera and the hospital has given me VERY little info whilst there so in fact I didn't know what I'd got til I got home and read the book after my first treatment. 

Ive broken my big rule never to read medical stuff on the internet as being a paranoid schizophrenic it can lead a dark road... but with such little info from the doctor I've had to and it's lead me here to you lovely people. 

I look forward to talking with you guys

  • A warm welcome to our forum Daigon!

    I’m sorry you were diagnosed with polycythaemia vera but I’m glad you found us as talking with others who are in a similar position often helps. It is understandable why you broke your rule of never reading medical stuff on the internet, a sin we all have been guilty of committing now and then but do try to stay away from “Dr. Google” as much as possible, as you said, it can lead to more trouble than good.

    Since you mentioned having left the hospital with very little information I thought I might send you link we have with information on polycythaemia vera, click here to read more: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/cancer-questions/polycythaemia-vera

    And if you feel like talking with someone medically trained might help please know that our cancer nurses are available on this telephone number: 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday (except during bank holidays) from 9 am to 5 pm.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you very much, I've tried to ignore much of what I've read myself, I was going to wait until I could speak to my key worker about it after the holidays (that have appeared at a lousy time this year it seems) 

    once again thank you xx