JAK2 Mutation - Effects and Questions

Is JAK 2 the same as policythemia vera. My dr. said only that the test was positive for JAC 2.

I can't give any general advice that is proven to aid everyone, but I can share with you my personal experiences. When I have drastically reduced my intake of carbohydrates and sugar, I have seen a significant slowdown in the rise of my hematocrit. Eating breads, grains, and processed foods I generally require a phlebotomy every 4 weeks. When I am in a state of nutritional ketosis, I find that I can go three to four months between phlebotomies. Your mileage may very, but this is what I have experienced over the past three years.

I have read that there are certain foods that can naturally affect platelets--either raise or lower them.. Several articles talk about the lowering effect of cranberry juice and some fruits such as strawberries or other berries. Have any of you seen similar studies posted or had discussions with your doctors about natural options along with baby aspirin and/or medication? Thanks so much!

My Doctor wants my platelets below 400,000, in order to accomplish that it was necessary for me to be on Hydrea 500mg 3days a week and 81 mg. aspirin daily. I must add that I also have Essential Thrombocytosis, Hope this helps. My understanding is below 400,000 cuts the risk of blood clots significantly. Hope I am of help. When in doubt, I always believe in second opinions. Blessings

I have read that there are certain foods that can naturally affect platelets--either raise or lower them.. Several articles talk about the lowering effect of cranberry juice and some fruits such as strawberries or other berries. Have any of you seen similar studies posted or had discussions with your doctors about natural options along with baby aspirin and/or medication? Thanks so much!

I'm happy to share my experience. #1. No, do not need to give blood. The Hydrea is toxic enough to kill the excess platelets. #2. I have experimented over the years to cut back a little from the prescribed dosage simply to minimize the amount of toxicity I'm consuming. My Docs have not liked this kind of fooling around with the dosage. So I've been steady at 6 days a week, no Sundays for about a year. No side effects from the Hydrea after the initial first month twenty years ago. #3. I still have no symptoms of this strange blood disorder called ET, regardless what my count is on any given day. I go every 3 months for a cbc. It puzzles me that at 72, I still feel the same with a count of 480 as I did at age 40 when I was diagnosed with a count of 800. #4. My two Docs (first one retired) have dangled the ultimate fear over me since the diagnosis, but so far my ET has not morphed into leukemia. Having no symptoms and in disbelief, I went to the Scottsdale Mayo Clinic for a second opinion at some point in the 1990s. Same diagnosis. Very disappointing because I was really convinced that nothing was wrong with me. Thanks for sharing the NIH info. I always like to run across updated information on PV,ET, and other blood disorders. You may never progress to anything more advanced. Best wishes.

I have read that there are certain foods that can naturally affect platelets--either raise or lower them.. Several articles talk about the lowering effect of cranberry juice and some fruits such as strawberries or other berries. Have any of you seen similar studies posted or had discussions with your doctors about natural options along with baby aspirin and/or medication? Thanks so much!