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Essential Thrombocythemia: Making treatment decisions

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jan 17 8:15am | Replies (405)
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@tree7737 I have been on Hydroxy for a year. My platelets were very high at over 1 million. Medication has brought them down to the 500,000 level. My side affect's dry eyes, I have lost a lot of hair in the last year. I have been using systane of cream at night. My problem with that is that my eyes stay cloudy most of the day. I also use warm compresses, that seems to help.I am 84 I’m sure my fatigue, has something to do with my age. Good luck to you.

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Replies to "@tree7737 I have been on Hydroxy for a year. My platelets were very high at over..."
janemc | @janemc | Jan 15 6:48am

@betty82

YAY you, halving your platelet count!!!

Sounds like you are addressing your dry eyes too. Excellent!

For others suffering from dry eyes, below I've copied suggestions from Lori, our amazing monitor:

Two things I was recommended by my ophthalmologist at Mayo was to use warm compresses on my eyes for at least 15 minutes daily. Warm washcloth or there are products such as Bruder Moist Heat Compresses (there are other brands too) which you can put in the microwave to heat. They stay warmer for the entire time. The compresses, besides feeling soothing, can help loosen up constricted or clogged oil glands.

The 2nd product, which is what I use religiously and has worked amazingly well is Systane Night time Ointment for severe dry eyes. Not the gel…the ointment. It comes in a very small tube. To apply, pull out your lower lid a little and squeeze a small amount, about 1/4 in your lower eye lid. Then blink several times. Put this in right before bed because it will make your eyes blurry. But it lasts all night long. (Blinking rapidly in the morning clears your eyes). After using it consistently nightly, I no longer need any drops during the day!
Also, it tends to be a little messy on the pillowcase so make sure you use an old one or put a towel over your pillow.

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