Reflexology and massage therapy are two complementary therapies that have been used by some patients with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) to alleviate some of the side effects that may accompany living with a chronic illness; pain, fatigue, low mood, stress, circulatory problems etc. Massage therapy Used for centuries, this is a system of treatment that…
There is no universal definition of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), and there are sometimes misunderstandings over what complementary therapies actually are and the distinct differences with alternative therapies. From a medical view point complementary therapies are any treatments that run alongside conventional treatments for people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), whilst alternative therapies is usually…
What is palliative care? Palliative care (from the Latin term “to cloak”) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay, or reverse progression of the disease itself or provide a cure. Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNS), may at some point…
Why reduce stress? In modern societies many people prioritise work and productivity, sometimes at the expense of caring for their overall health. This can causes us to experience stress. What’s more, chronic illness can exacerbate these stresses and make us feel overwhelmed. In patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) it’s important to aim for a balanced…
The hospice care philosophy sees death as a normal part of living. Hospice services help a dying person to be comfortable during his or her last days or hours. Hospice care is an approach that sees death as a natural part of life and does not seek to prolong life or death. Hospice services also support…
In some cases for myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients, the time will come when you may wish to take stock as treatment becomes less effective. Sometimes there aren’t always easy answers when it comes to treating MPNs. If you or a friend or family member is diagnosed with advanced stages of myelofibrosis (MF) or has developed…
If you’ve experienced a blood clot, treatment and support can help. Many people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) experience clots. Clots can affect people with any type of MPN at any age. Clots can also occur in many different blood vessels in the body. What causes clots? Clots occur in people with MPNs because their blood…
At MPN Voice patient forums, questions about itch, (pruritus) are probably one of the most common, and it’s well documented that itchy skin is a common symptom of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in particular in polycythaemia vera (PV). Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant itching sensation that leads to intensive scratching and MPN patients often suffer…
Whenever possible, plan ahead with your haematologist and surgeon. Even if you have a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that is under good control and are doing well from day to day there may be an occasion where you may need an operation. Understandably, many people with MPNs feel concerned when facing surgery. Here are some tips…
These tips for reducing side effects have been compiled by MPN Specialist Nurses. If you take interferon If you take interferon and suffer from fatigue it can sometimes help to: Take more injections of a lower dose (e.g. 3 × 3 MU vs 2 × 4.5 MU) Change the time of your injection Switch brands…