Son being tested for polycythaemia, worried about symptoms

Hi good afternoon. I am tryning not to worry too much about my son, but would like some help with the following symptoms please.  For about for weeks now he has been getting intermittent rashes / hives on his forearms and back, tingling in his hands and feet and a burning pain in his hands.  As far as I am aware his urine was clear and when the doctor examined his spleen she said that was fine.  She then said that they are testing him for polycythemia!  He does not have any skin itchiness.  He completed an online e-consult and said that his dad has Factor V and Hughes Syndrome and the blood test he has been given is testing the normal bloods and auto immune markers.  He has terrible health anxiously and is already on antidepressants so is extremely stressed at the moment.  I was wondering, do symptoms of hives and hot hands / feet sound consistent with this?  He has no tiredness, bruising, or headaches etc.  He was very deficient in Folic acid at the start of the year and had a three month prescription for this.   Thank you in advance.

  • Hi Amoss11,

    I'm sorry to read about yours and your son's worries about this. It's good to hear he is being checked out. It's really only his doctor who is best placed to answer your question, so try to sit tight for any results if you can and then make sure you and/or your son ask any questions you have to the doctor so that you can be as fully informed as possible to give you peace of mind.

    Wishing you all the best and I hope you're able to find out more soon,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator