I have JAK2 ET and MPN: Anyone else have these symptoms?

Posted by jak2mpnpositive @jak2mpnpositive, Mar 1, 2022

Hi all,
I've suffered for many years with this MPN disorder, but it seems not many others have the same symptoms, so I'l posting this to see if anyone else has similar symptoms.
First of all, it's important to note that I had lyme disease undiagnosed for 4 years. Right around the time I started to experience symptoms from Lyme disease, my platelets shot up. With that said, I am certain that this is when the JAK2 was triggered. However, it took my another 9 years to be diagnosed with JAK2, ET MPN. My platelets are currently around 890. I am 40 years old. With a recent pregnancy, my platelets went down into normal range and I felt AMAZING!
Symptoms that I experience: Very red (almost purple) feet when sitting too long. This is not comfortable.
Upon sitting too long at a desk, typically in front of a computer, if it's consistent for several weeks, I start to feel as though I am going to die. There is no other way to explain it. It's as if my blood is stagnet. It's VERY uncomfortable. The only way for me to feel better is with exercise and continued movement.
I've had a hematologist tell me my symptoms aren't related to my MPN and I've had one tell me they are. It's very frustrating.
Does anyone else have any similar symptoms?
Thank you.

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Well, I’m 77 so pregnancy isn’t an option! But, it made me chuckle.
I was diagnosed with PV/JAk2 about 5 years ago. Take 1000mg of HU daily.
I’m sure many of my symptoms/complaints have as much to do with my age as PV. But, I am relatively stable so much so I now go for blood test every 60 days. When my hematocrit reaches 43 I can feel it and know I need a phlebotomy (despite having a couple of nurses tell me I didn’t!)
I’ve also taken thyroid med for at least 30 years and it has rarely fluctuated. But, fatigue being the worst side effect of HU, I didn’t realize my thyroid med needed adjustment, I was searching for a GP and when I finally found one, she ordered TSH and my med was adjusted. Well, it was like someone flipped a switch! I actually had the energy and desire to get some things done!
So, I’m just throwing that possibility out there and it’s easily checked.
And, having despised exercise since I was a kid (always preferring a quiet space and a good book) I hate that it actually helps overall and, specifically, with the fatigue.

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