If you are extremely hesitant you could ask if you could start slowly with HU. I started taking 500 mg daily but had headache issues. I stopped taking for a few weeks and then went back on 500 mg HU every other day. Last count was 498. I see hematologist again on
January 3. Pending the lab that day I am hopeful I can stay on every other day.

If you do start HU remember to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of fluid a day.

Best wishes for your journey, Eileen