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Essential Thrombocythemia: Making treatment decisions

Posted by mamsgirl1998 @mamsgirl1998, Jan 27, 2024

I have ET and was diagnosed 2 years ago. I am 50 Years old and my latest platelet count was 1,183,000. I only take a baby aspirin daily. My hematologist said I could try Hydroxyurea if I wanted. I am low risk and at first I didn’t want to take it. My platelet count continues to climb. I am thinking about trying the medication. Anyone else tried it? Any ill side effects?

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nohrt4me | @nohrt4me | 22 hours ago
In reply to @nancyra "Wow! So fortunate you had no long term effects from the stroke. It makes me wonder..." + (show)
@nancyra

Wow! So fortunate you had no long term effects from the stroke.
It makes me wonder why hems do not make stroke assessment testing part of diagnosis of ET as risk of stoke is what is of concern!
Good advice for all of us with ET to request a carotid artery test and coronary calcium score . These tests are painless.
Your story is a good example of why all of us should request these tests. I had to beg for mine….

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Good observation. My only insight is that specialists tend to keep their attention narrowly focused. Doctors work for big health care systems that run patients thru like an assembly line. Your GP is often the best person to take these concerns to. My old GP was good about putting notes to my other docs in the e-chart. She has retired, and I hope the new one is as alert.

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