"Very confusing" indeed.

It does seem you have been given partial, conflicting information.

Unfortunately, ET is so uncommon that no one fully understands it. Your primary doctor may or may not know anything about it.

You can feel fine but still have dangerously high levels of platelets.

Addressing that is important.

HU (hydrea) is used to slow down over-production of platelets. You're right, it comes in 500 mg capsules. As far as I know, dosage is not based on our weight.

You're right in saying that our age is taken into consideration. Arbitrary, yes, but I guess there must be a statistical basis for that.

Good doctors start us on low doses, so that our bodies can adapt to the new medication.

Low-dose aspirin is sometimes added because it makes our platelet-heavy blood slippery, reducing the danger of clotting and strokes.

Only your own hematologist knows whether -- based on your own lab results and history -- taking HU and aspirin will help you. For some people, taking aspirin isn't a good idea.

Waiting for your doctors to figure this out is really hard!

Hoping you get some clarity soon.