@janemc
I agree. I was 65 at diagnosis and 76 now. So really hard to tell what is diease and what is old age wear and tear. I do think the HU may have contributed to early wear and tear on my hip sockets... had both hips replaced with in 4 years and back surgery in between. No one else in my family has had to have either. And I don't have Osteoporosis but I have osteopenia, which is not quite as bad as osteoporosis. Never have broken a bone. So, hard to tell. But I am grateful for each day and I like to keep up with what is happening and what may be on the horizon. I am grateful that I had a really good hematologist to diagnose me in the middle of VENEZUELA no less, as we lived there as missionaries. Sent my husband to the big city to get Hydrea so I could start it the very next day after diagnosis while he did abdominal sonograms, etc to see the condition of my spleen and other organs.
Amazing! We could not continue there as things are pretty bad as to getting medicine and tests, etc.. But I was able, with my husband's help, to take care of my mom for 5 years until she passed away at 90. I am doing relatively well, for the Thrombocythemia DX and a lifetime of lung problems. On a daily note, my feet right now are my biggest problem. Numb, pain, difficult to find shoes that work. I think I will keep the appointment with the orthopedic doctor that specializes in feet and ankles. Don't know that he can help me but I've already tried two podiatrists without satisfaction. I can at least say I tried everything. May be something I am just going to have to learn to live with. Hard when you have been a very active person. Does keep me from walking longer distances and losing some weight. But grateful I do have feet and can walk enough to get around and take care of us.
Thanks all for your words of encouragement and support.