Essential Thrombocythemia: Making treatment decisions

I am 78 and have been taking hydroxyurea for nearly 10 years with no serious side effects. It does lower your immunity a tiny bit but so far, with all the vaccines, I have managed to escape COVID, RVS, pneumonia, etc. I get tired more easily but not sure if this is just age-related. I have osteoporosis and started Prolia about a year ago which adds to a lowered immune response but still nothing serious.

I think there is a difference between thrombocytopenia and thrombocythemia. First is low platelets and second is elevated platelets. I think you should find an MPN specialist or at least a hemotologist/oncologist, and have evaluation/consultation, even if you have to travel. Once you get some straight answers, you can have MPN specialist work with your local doctor.....Best of luck.....

I have had ET and been taking hydroxyurea for about 10 years with little negative side effects. However, in mid-December, my hematologist recommended an iron infusion when my ferritin level dropped to 49 . I had 2 infusions one week apart and did feel more energetic. But about 10 days later, I developed a a bowel bleed that put me in the hospital and required a transfusion and I have been fighting to get my energy back since then. The hospital chalked it up to a burst/bleeding diverticuli of which I have many in my lower colon as do most people my age. But I have never had this issue before. I have had several bouts of diverticulitis over the years, but never a bleed. I wondered if anyone else had a similar experience after an iron infusion?

Hola, estoy igual que tu.
Con hidro, estrogenos y progesterona.

In my research after receiving an ET diagnosis, I've read that the "average" life expectancy of someone in their 60s with ET is 15 years. Lots of ET people whose platelet levels are controlled live decades with it. My guess is something else will get me before ET does 🙂

ET is not supposed to reduce life expectancy, but it MAY reduce quality of life, either because of symptoms like fatigue, headaches, med side effects, etc., or because of clots.

Dad had ET and lived to be 82. He died of COPD. But the ET added to the fatigue burden, enlarged spleen caused discomfort and more breathing difficulties, and he had circulatory problems and leg clots.

So when I was diagnosed with ET, I didn't worry much about longevity as much as quality of life.

Not speaking for all old people here, but as I age, I worry a lot less about the Grim Reaper. The average lifespan in my state (it varies a lot) is about 76. I'll try to be grateful for every day I get that's happy and relatively pain- and worry-free.

When I was 76 , I asked my doctor what to expect about dying from ET. He chuckled and said, "Don't worry, something else will kill you before ET! "

I am 72 and I agree, 80 is not long enough

That's pretty much what my doctor told me LOL!

My hem/oncologist said you live a normal lifespan with regulated platelet count.
I see people in town Not wearing a mask - not me.
Just be vigilant with your health - mask, wash hands, follow doctor’s orders.
The first month after diagnosis I was a wreck - then you settle into a routine.