@claire1776

Good question. While HU has brought down my platelet count to around 400 -- that's still the top of the "normal" range. So I have lots more platelets than someone without ET.

I also have oversized and oddly shaped platelets. This also happens when the proteins (JAK, CAL or MPL) that govern blood production mutate.

ET-distorted platelets are less able to slip through blood vessels.

This makes us more susceptible to heat and cold; contributes to the brutal headaches of ET; causes tingling and burning sensations in the extremities; and may even trigger our immune response.