Thinking about treatment options

Choosing treatment options can often be the most stressful decision you will need to make. It's especially hard to make these decisions knowing that the medication itself may lead to more complications, even increase your risk of leukaemia.

When you first learn that you have a blood disease, a rush of thoughts, feelings and questions crowd your mind, and this can complicate your treatment decisions. These questions can continue for days, months or even years as you experience changes in your situation - in your life and your MPD. Complications and the rise and fall of blood counts over time add to the anxiety.

You do have options when it comes to treatment, and it isn't just about taking medicines. You can improve your odds by taking good care of your body. If you smoke, you should stop. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue for MPD patients and could be an option for you. It's equally important to eat right, maintain a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol within normal limits.

What's more, you can choose not only the most suitable conventional medication for you but, if you prefer, the best alternative treatments. Every person is different, and while a certain plan suits one person, it may be completely inappropriate for the next person. Whatever you decide to do, it's essential to communicate with your haematologist. Certain treatments cannot be mixed - however natural their source. Working with your haematologist will ensure your treatment is right for your age, sex, stage of illness and lifestyle.

At the end of the day, it is your body and your disease. The choice is yours.

Read more: Conventional and Alternative treatments