I was diagnosed with ET / CALR in 2021. Platelet count was 1.1 million and redid the bloodwork bec they thought it might me a lab error. Nope!
Hydrea is hard to adjust to, but eventually there aren’t side effects.
My dose went from 500 mg 7x a week, to 5 and now 3.
Platelets now between 400 -500k. I needed (unrelated) surgery and pain temporarily increased platelet count.
My hemeonc told my neurosurgeon and me not to worry unless the count goes to 700k. It hasn’t.

The Hydrea side effects of foot/leg pain, stomach issues and fatigue greatly lessen with time.
ET followed later by hydrocephalus was a 1-2 punch, but getting a proper diagnosis was the hardest part.
I was afraid docs would label me a hypochondriac until I was properly diagnosed.
It’s hard, but don’t get discouraged and you are your own best healthcare advocate.
Good luck.