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Hydrea and bloating
Hi, I’m newly diagnosed ET since early March and on Hydrea 1,000 every second day and 500 on in between days. Other than fatigue and feeling thirsty , my biggest issue past 5 weeks is really bad stomach bloating. For example , My uniform trousers fits me comfortably going to work but by lunchtime I’m so bloated and uncomfortable, I nearly need a bigger size. I haven’t put on weight so it’s not that. Has anyone else experienced this? I have my next consultation in a weeks time so will mention it my haematologist.
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Yes, I get constipation and bloating often in evening. My oncologist suggested a probiotic, and that helped somewhat. I also do gas-relieving exercises, which you probably cannot conveniently do at work (I'm retired). Avoid gas-inducing food, and it may help to eat four smaller meals throughout the day. I hope you will pass on any tips your doctor offers. Gas can be very miserable!
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2 ReactionsHello and welcome, deesj68.
Hope the Hydrea is bringing down your platelet count. You'll have more energy as that happens!
Two amateur suggestions: Sometimes ET, as it puffs up our blood with surplus platelets, causes our spleens to swell. The spleen is kinda in the waistband area.
A more likely explanation is -- as I know all too well -- that HU can cause constipation.
Try upping your fiber intake with apples, whole grains breads and cereal, pretzels rather than chips. Start checking labels for the fiber content of foods.
Oatmeal is wonderful for constipation too. Easiest of all is drinking more water! Strive for a half gallon or even a full gallon a day. That will address feeling thirsty too.
Please let us know how you're doing!
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2 Reactions@nohrt4me
Thank you for your advice. I will try a probiotic and see if that helps. I will see what my doctor says . Hopefully it is just another short term side effect.
@janemc
Thank you for your reply. I hadn’t thought about the spleen might be swollen. My platelets dropped quite abit the first month but very little last month. Have my next bloods on Monday so I’m hoping they will come down more. Last month my haematologist was debating upping my Hydrea dosage so I will know more after my bloods next week and my consultation the following week. Yes I’m trying to up my water intake too and be more mindful of my diet but easier said than done !