I have had Essential thrombocythemia now polycythemia since I was 16.im now fast approaching 60.and I keep relatively well.i am not my conditions.i try my best to follow the doctors advice and keep taking the medication as best I can.the best advice I can give you is to be you not your diagnosis eat well keep alcohol to minimum and if you smoke try to stop or try to smoke less.be the best person you can be.i don't know if because I've had this for so long that I'm a bit relaxed about it but some people when they get a diagnosis later in life they become obsessed with it and it overtakes them such that it's all they talk about and they become it.be aware of the risks health-wise,go to doctors appointments/haematology appointments, but live your life.