Connect
MPN but allergic to aspirin? Anyone else?
Diagnosed with ET five years ago and told to take baby aspirin, to which I'm allergic (causes ulcers in my stomach and duodenum.) "Try the aspirin anyway," they said. I said, "Whee! A ride in the ambulance while vomiting blood. Yep, I'll take that transfusion." Now they want me to start Hydroxyurea although my platelet count is stable (600s). I'm hesitant. Can hydroxyurea be taken without a baby aspirin? Any suggestions?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
Hello, donnadarling.
It's really frustrating when our doctors don't bother to listen to us.
What I'm about to say is a general comment, not intended as a personal suggestion to you. As deaf as they can be, our own physicians are always the best ones to ask about our own conditions and medications.
HU and aspirin are both helpful with MPNs, but they work in different ways.
HU puts the brakes on overproduction of blood cells by our bone marrow.
Aspirin makes our blood more slippery, meaning we're less prone to clots caused by our ET-thickened blood.
Others on this forum take non-aspirin medications for that second benefit. Alternatives to aspirin do exist!
I'd suggest asking your doctor what alternative might work for you. Best wishes!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes. I'm allergic to aspirin. I've been taking Hydroyxurea for 4 years without taking aspirin and have been able to keep my red and white blood cells and my blood platelets within range. I also eat a Mediterranean diet, exercise daily and enjoy time with friends to keep stress done. My oncologist says that is keeping my cancer stable for now. Prayer also helps.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThanks so much, 59catnip! I do the "time with friends" but will add your practices. I keep much stress down by reading favorite authors and not watching the news while eating dinner and/or at bedtime! Blessings to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am also allergic to aspirin, which I told them. I have asthma, hiatus hernia and reflux, tried it for 2 weeks, affected my breathing and gave me stomach pains. Then I took the EC version, managed that for 3 weeks. So now take Arnica homeopathic remedy. I am still resisting Hydroxy 7 years into diagnosis. Got my platelets down to 620 and have been that for a year now and as I am CALR and no major symptoms and trying to eat healthy and exercise everyday Haematologist has accepted my decision and reviewing every 6 months. All on our own journey with this. Good luck with yours.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@lynn22
I'm also allergic to aspirin. I never took it as I decided to try Hydroxyurea . That was about 3 years ago. Am still doing fine. I just got back from my oncologist a couple hours ago. My blood tests show I'm still within range for red and white blood cells and for my blood platelets. Keep eating healthy and exercising. I hope that you will also be staying within range also.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions