Welcome to Connect, @critterlover. What a lovely @name! We’re friends already. ☺️
Hydrea can occasionally have effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Sometimes, from what other members have said, having a dosage change may help alleviate some of the symptoms. You’re early in your Hydrea treatment so this may take a little time to balance out.

Thank you for sharing your experience with what has worked for you to avoid tummy issues.
If you haven’t seen this discussion already, here is a link to some good conversations about:
~What are most common side effects when starting HU (Hydroxyurea)?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hu-side-effects/
Were you having symptoms which led to your discovery of ET?