So I was recently diagnosed with polycythemia and the doctors words were literally "holy fuck! They didn’t tell you this 7 years ago???

I’m having a very hard time right now because people with this condition are expected to only survive 20 years after the diagnoses. Meaning I have less than 15 years to live. I’ll never see my child graduate high school. I’ll never see them get married. I’ll never get to meet my grandchildren… this sucks. I’m so terrified right now. What am I supposed to tell my wife? What am I supposed to tell my parents? I’m going to die before all of them? How did I upset the universe to deserve this? I’m so scared and I don’t know what to do. L

  • Nefara@lemmy.world
    0·
    20 days ago

    I’m not a medical professional but is this “timeline” the opinion of one doctor? If this news came from an individual I think it could definitely be worth seeing what other doctors have to say. If you have access, maybe even see a specialist who has more experience with that condition. Maybe they agree with the verdict, but they might also give ideas to manage it and help extend the clock.

    I’m not going to tell you not to be scared or sad because those feelings are entirely valid and I would feel the same way. I just think more information could only help at this point.