← Return to Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support

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@docoltun

OMG, my medical plan changed so I lost my hematologist after 10 years on Anagrelide. New guy was SHOCKED, said I should definitely be switched to hydroxyurea and attempted a very lengthy, painful bone marrow biopsy which ultimately provided nothing unusual. Biopsy had never been done since the Agrylin (pre-generic anagrelide, may have been brand new) did the trick lowering platelets from 1800+ to below 400 quickly. So after five pokes (I remember asking if he'd ever done this procedure on a live person) my medication was switched awaiting results. A nightmarish 6 weeks of weekly out of control blood draw results. Took me that long to get approval for a DIFFERENT provider who basically said, if it works, why change it? So...I'm probably heading to 25+ years without symptoms from ET. I may have been an anomaly with the hydroxyurea, impatient since there hadn't been any symptoms or might have been an over enthusiastic new doctor. Thanks for asking.

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Replies to "OMG, my medical plan changed so I lost my hematologist after 10 years on Anagrelide. New..."

That’s quite the story and you had me cringing with the BMB experience!! I’ve had 13 of those and I admit, after the first 3, the rest all were under sedation. 😅 As for your meds, I agree…if it’s works why change it! I’m so happy to hear that you’re having no issues and the meds are continuing to work! Very inspiring!