Hello and welcome, deesj68.

Hope the Hydrea is bringing down your platelet count. You'll have more energy as that happens!

Two amateur suggestions: Sometimes ET, as it puffs up our blood with surplus platelets, causes our spleens to swell. The spleen is kinda in the waistband area.

A more likely explanation is -- as I know all too well -- that HU can cause constipation.

Try upping your fiber intake with apples, whole grains breads and cereal, pretzels rather than chips. Start checking labels for the fiber content of foods.

Oatmeal is wonderful for constipation too. Easiest of all is drinking more water! Strive for a half gallon or even a full gallon a day. That will address feeling thirsty too.

Please let us know how you're doing!