1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders

Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and viruses

Posted by arti4 @arti4, Oct 8, 2022

I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia a few months ago, and I’m positive for JAK 2. So far, I have a “mild” case (platelets are below 600) and currently taking only 2 low-dose aspirin a day. Since my diagnosis I’ve gotten 2 colds/viruses. The first one turned into pneumonia, and I’ve never had pneumonia in my life; I’m currently sick with another cold or virus and on day 6. I feel like it’s getting progressively worse each day instead of better. Is this because of the ET? Is this how every little illness is going to be from now on?

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janetbender | @janetbender | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @rachelpabs "I was diagnosed 17 years ago at the age off 22. I have had a flu..." + (show)
@rachelpabs

I was diagnosed 17 years ago at the age off 22. I have had a flu now for 5 weeks and just cannot shake it. I am quite worried about what the future holds. I am usually ok but very tired. Approaching the third decade is daunting. Is anyone else in this position?

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In the past 3 months I’ve had a sore throat / bad cold twice, each lasting 2+ weeks. Fully vaxxed/boostered.

I figure ET lowers immunity so I wear a mask as much as possible.

REPLY
marty8888 | @marty8888 | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @loribmt "Welcome to Connect, @marty8888. Thank you for sharing your experiences with having ET. It’s really encouraging..." + (show)
@loribmt

Welcome to Connect, @marty8888. Thank you for sharing your experiences with having ET. It’s really encouraging to hear you’ve had such good results with taking HU and that your foot and ankle pain is gone! Equally interesting is the change you’ve had with adding electrolytes on a regular basis.

Was this something you found on your own or did you have blood work done that indicated some of your numbers were low? What type of electrolytes do you take?

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Hi Lori
It's called sustain. A powder I mix with water. I read high platlets can cause dehydration so that's when I started and it helped. My platlets, white cells and potassium levels have been high for last ten years. My doc said it was because I smoked. After collapsing 3 times and a new doctor and bone marrow biopsy they got it figured out. I did lose some vision in one eye that glasses can't correct but can live with that. Thank you Lori for inquiring.

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @marty8888 "Hi Lori It's called sustain. A powder I mix with water. I read high platlets can..." + (show)
@marty8888

Hi Lori
It's called sustain. A powder I mix with water. I read high platlets can cause dehydration so that's when I started and it helped. My platlets, white cells and potassium levels have been high for last ten years. My doc said it was because I smoked. After collapsing 3 times and a new doctor and bone marrow biopsy they got it figured out. I did lose some vision in one eye that glasses can't correct but can live with that. Thank you Lori for inquiring.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the information about the electrolyte powder! Sounds like it’s really working for you. Good thing a new doctor entered your life and found the root of your health issues with the platelets and white blood cells! Don’t be a stranger here. We all benefit from sharing our experiences. ☺️

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