On another forum, I saw postings from individuals taking HU for ET, who have seen high RDW values in their blood work.
When they asked their doctors about it, they were told it that may be a side effect of HU, and not a cause for concern -- but maybe an indication that taking a multivitamin could be helpful.
Of course, only your own doctor can evaluate what the higher RDW count may mean for you.
I hope you won't have to wait a couple more months before having your question answered. It's impossible not to worry when we get "off" numbers.
Good question to discuss with your doc. I'm 70 and asked if I should continue aspirin at my check up in November. Doc said yes, research shows that it's very effective at preventing clots. She did say that I should only occasionally take Motrin and other analgesics with blood-thinning effects. So Tylenol is now my go-to for the weekly headaches and that vague flu-y feeling ET patients sometimes get in the afternoon/evening. I like Motrin better for arthritis/joint pain, but still try Tylenol first.
Good question to discuss with your doc. I'm 70 and asked if I should continue aspirin at my check up in November. Doc said yes, research shows that it's very effective at preventing clots. She did say that I should only occasionally take Motrin and other analgesics with blood-thinning effects. So Tylenol is now my go-to for the weekly headaches and that vague flu-y feeling ET patients sometimes get in the afternoon/evening. I like Motrin better for arthritis/joint pain, but still try Tylenol first.
Probably a good rule of thumb: leave a few hours "window" between aspirin and Motrin if you have to take an NSAID. I used to have the proverbial cast-iron stomach, but less so with age.
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
I've seen lots of comments here about itchy, dry skin, and unfortunately I experience it too. Alas, this is a "gift" of ET. Here's what Google AI has to say:
Itching is a common symptom experienced by people with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count; this itching is often referred to as "aquagenic pruritus" as it can worsen significantly after hot showers or baths, and is believed to be caused by the release of histamine from abnormal blood cells within the body.
I've mostly switched from hot showers or bath to bathing with a washcloth at the sink. I have lotion bottles everywhere.
I guess the itching distracts us from the headaches . . . .
Do you take asprin? I take asprin and hydres 500 maybe once my levels go down want need to continue the asprin
Yes, I take a low-dose aspirin every day, as instructed by my oncologist.
There are good and bad things about any medicine, so please talk it over with your doctor.
If at some point, she or he thinks you don't need aspirin, please be sure to ask how to safely discontinue it.
Good question to discuss with your doc. I'm 70 and asked if I should continue aspirin at my check up in November. Doc said yes, research shows that it's very effective at preventing clots. She did say that I should only occasionally take Motrin and other analgesics with blood-thinning effects. So Tylenol is now my go-to for the weekly headaches and that vague flu-y feeling ET patients sometimes get in the afternoon/evening. I like Motrin better for arthritis/joint pain, but still try Tylenol first.
Thank you !
Jennifer
Thank you!
Jennifer
James the same words my doctor told me, I guess that's a good thing. Wanted to ask him then what will ?
Thank you for sharing this helpful insight about the importance of aspirin.
I was told that if I have to take an NSAID, I should avoid taking it at the same time as aspirin or HU.
Better to let those meds kick in before adding an NSAID into the mix.
Probably a good rule of thumb: leave a few hours "window" between aspirin and Motrin if you have to take an NSAID. I used to have the proverbial cast-iron stomach, but less so with age.
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
I've seen lots of comments here about itchy, dry skin, and unfortunately I experience it too. Alas, this is a "gift" of ET. Here's what Google AI has to say:
Itching is a common symptom experienced by people with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count; this itching is often referred to as "aquagenic pruritus" as it can worsen significantly after hot showers or baths, and is believed to be caused by the release of histamine from abnormal blood cells within the body.
I've mostly switched from hot showers or bath to bathing with a washcloth at the sink. I have lotion bottles everywhere.
I guess the itching distracts us from the headaches . . . .