@cec2 Hi and thanks for your reply. I haven't checked in here for a while either.
Interesting. As time goes on, I'm sure we'll find out more about the effects of the covid shots and covid itself. Fyi, I had 3 shots of Astra Zeneca (the one related to thrombotic events about 2 weeks after the shot, in people over 50). My platelets started increasing a few weeks after my first shot. I only know this because I had regular blood tests to monitor other conditions and my GP showed me on a graph which was pretty obvious. I have had covid 3 times and don't do any covid boosters.
Regarding the different protocols in treating ET, I thought I'd give you an update as my treatment plan has changed dramatically.
With my original Haematologist I was only on 1 asprin 100mg, platelets 900's. When I changed to an MPN specialist 3.5 months ago, I increased to 2 aspirin and added 2 x 500mg Hydroxy per day. My platelets dropped from high 900's to high 200's in just 8 weeks. I was then reduced to 1 aspirin, 1 Hydroxy. I'm currently on 1 Hydroxy 3 times per week but I also started Pegasys 45mcg mid July. I've now had 2 increased doses of 67.5mcg. So far so good with main side effect being fatigue but it's manageable. I feel very lucky so far and hope I will remain well as the dose is increased with the aim to drop the Hydroxy altogether.
Platelets 326 last week, white cell count had been increasing slightly but now in normal range. Liver numbers also slowly increasing, still higher than normal range but nothing crazy. I'm now 61, also have family history and a moderate calcium score so I am also high risk.
Wishing you all the best in your treatment. It really is a lottery and there seem to be varied treatment plans depending on who you see. My MPN specialist is confident that there will be other treatments upcoming in the not too distant future so I am ever hopeful for that.