@kapow

Your vulnerability to blood clots depends on SO MANY factors.

Speaking very generally: Relative to those with the JAK2 driver, MPLs like you and me, as well as CALs and triple-negatives, are less prone to clots.

But, compared to everyone who doesn't have it, anyone with ET has an increased risk of clots.

Remember! Every time you take the meds prescribed by your doctor

-- you are saying NO THANK YOU to blood clots.

Some helpful background from Blood Cancer UK:

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When you have ET, your body starts making too many blood cells called platelets.

Platelets are blood cells that help your blood to clot. They stick together to stop you bleeding if you have a cut or a bruise.

Like most blood cells, platelets are made inside your bone marrow – the spongy material inside some of your bones. Large cells in your bone marrow called megakaryocytes produce platelets that are released into your bloodstream, ready to stop the bleeding if you are injured.

In ET, the megakaryocytes start to make too many platelets. That means your blood may clot too easily. This can cause a heart attack or stroke and a range of other symptoms.

Treatments for ET aim to manage these symptoms and lower your risk of developing blood clots.

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@kapow JAK2 and MPL mutations have been associated with a higher risk of both venous and arterial blood clots, then triple negative, and then CALr being associated with a lower risk of both type clots. My point in the previous comment was that, while the risk may be less with a lower platelet count, there is still a risk of blood clots due to malformed platelets. And, as platelets rise above 1 million, there is also a risk of bleeding due to platelet malfunction. I've experienced nose bleeds and abnormal bleeding even with my platelet count being less than a million. Thankfully, I've never had a blood clot!