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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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janemc | @janemc | Sep 13 5:11am
In reply to @jbcl "I was recently diagnosed with ET... through blood work and a bone marrow biopsy. I am..." + (show)
Profile picture for jbcl @jbcl

I was recently diagnosed with ET... through blood work and a bone marrow biopsy. I am 71 years old and have no symptoms to speak of. The doctor initially prescribed a low dose aspirin, but when a follow up blood test indicated a rise in platelet count, he put me on a daily dosage of 500 mg of hydroxyurea. It has been about 2 weeks, but so far, no side effects.
I feel communicating with others who have been diagnosed with ET is very helpful.

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Every aspirin helps your blood flow smoothly, every hydroxyurea helps restore balance in your blood marrow.

Keep up the good work!

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jbcl | @jbcl | Sep 13 6:03am

Thank you for your encouragement! You are a blessing!!

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eloise999 | @eloise999 | Sep 13 7:46am
In reply to @jbcl "I was recently diagnosed with ET... through blood work and a bone marrow biopsy. I am..." + (show)
Profile picture for jbcl @jbcl

I was recently diagnosed with ET... through blood work and a bone marrow biopsy. I am 71 years old and have no symptoms to speak of. The doctor initially prescribed a low dose aspirin, but when a follow up blood test indicated a rise in platelet count, he put me on a daily dosage of 500 mg of hydroxyurea. It has been about 2 weeks, but so far, no side effects.
I feel communicating with others who have been diagnosed with ET is very helpful.

Jump to this post

I have it. I was diagnosed in February. I am on ET. 69 years old. My doctor prescribed HU, I had mild symptoms of the disease that the spring did not address so I went on cytoreduction. I had mild side effects from HU and it has worked fairly fast to bring my platelets down. At the moment I feel very good. Better than before cytoreduction therapy.

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jbcl | @jbcl | Sep 13 8:49am
In reply to @eloise999 "I have it. I was diagnosed in February. I am on ET. 69 years old. My..." + (show)
Profile picture for eloise999 @eloise999

I have it. I was diagnosed in February. I am on ET. 69 years old. My doctor prescribed HU, I had mild symptoms of the disease that the spring did not address so I went on cytoreduction. I had mild side effects from HU and it has worked fairly fast to bring my platelets down. At the moment I feel very good. Better than before cytoreduction therapy.

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That is good to hear and reassuring!

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vickieannb57 | @vickieannb57 | Sep 13 11:13am

On HU since May 2025 random things happen but go away so far. Have days really tired others not so much Doctor put me on Iron and B12 . White cells are normal Red cells are low and platelets 297 at last blood work I am 71 . I think the my age is why I am on HU. My hair has always been thin and I have been on Biotin for years so I take it my hair is a little dryer but no hair loss. Also I have never had any sickness I take 500 mg 1 capsule 7 days a weekly. So far it is just another pill. Biggest thing is going to get blood drawn first weekly then 2 weeks now I go every 4 weeks for CBC only. So not bad at all Good Luck.

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