My hematologist wanted to keep my platelets low because of clotting events in the past. I haven't heard much about anyone having clotting problems here. My hematologist wants platelets low. They were 476 but she wanted to go lower so I am now down to 426. Hydroxurea works well. I feel tired quite often but fight the tireness. Some other blood numbers out of wack but supposedly normal for this situation. I take 10 hydroxurea a week. I am 78 and am coming into a year of this situation that I believe was brought on by stress. I haven't had any problems with my hair. I am fair and outside a lot soaking up sunshine. No problems with sunburn that I believe was an issue with the Hydroxurea. I watch what I eat. I guess you'd say I am doing well, so far. Glad to hear the long termer made it to 19 years with no big problems. My mother had Polycythemia vera but did not die of it.