My dad(58) was diagnosed with PV in India 9 years go. He had severe head ache and side pain probably due to spleen enlargement and that's how he found out. Initially he was on Aspirin and phlebotomies in his initial years. He had all symptoms puiritis, fatigue, bruises on skin etc. He was later put on Hydroxyurea and he continues to be on it as other types of interferons are expensive in India and people are more prone to infections than in the west. and I am not sure how much of it insurance covers. His spleen is enlarged and may be not shrinking with his medication and his doctor is now suggesting a splenectomy. I know splenectomy is very rare in PV as doctors put PV patients on interferons usually in USA. I don't know what to do.
Update about my father : The doctor thought of removing the spleen if there is any bleeding or ruptures but the ultrasound reports came back positive but the spleen is still enlarged. My dad was suggested interferon 5 years ago but refused as the injection is very expensive in India and now ruxolitnib/javaki is also very expensive on a monthly basis and the insurance doesn't cover in India. So, my dad decided to stay on Hydroxy urea as this medication is able to control his hematocrit and platelets anyway even though he faces side effects from time to time. The disease hasn't progressed to Myelofibrosis so far.
I am looking for any new therapies or clinical trials in USA for my dad.