Started Hydroxyurea 5 weeks . How long does the fatigue last?

Hello, cubby13! May I ask, what is your diagnosis?

I myself take Hydroxyurea (HU) for essential thrombocytosis (ET). Fatigue and light-headedness are symptoms of ET. As HU has reduced my platelet count, it has also relived these problems.

Being diagnosed with something you've probably never heard of, then learning you need to take a drug every day -- that's a big shock. I was totally overwhelmed for months after my diagnosis.

We know what you're going through. Just ask, and we will try our best to help.

Thank you for your reply! 70yo with ET. High risk, 3 siblings had a blood cancer.

Well, I’ve been taking it for about 5 years for PV. I’m 77. I’d love to say the fatigue was temporary but, for me, it’s not. I will tell you that it comes and goes, mostly comes. However, a month or so ago my MD found my thyroid med needed to be adjusted. After starting new dosage I felt like someone had started my motor and not only wasnt I tired, I had energy to want to get things done! I was a dynamo for about two weeks and then not.
As I’ve mention in other posts about HU it is, for me, the prevalent side effect but I think I’m also 77 years old and I attribute a lot of my physical problems to that or in combo with that.
Hmm, brain fog huh? Well, most days I think I’m as sharp as I ever was just slower sometimes to get to point. Bit, again, I have a tendency to think my age is the culprit before I put it on the HU. And, does it matter to me where to put the “blame”? Not really unless they come up with something better than HU that keeps my hematocrit, etc.where it belongs and me out of Infusion Centers for phlebotomies!
But, everyone is different and I haven’t had the headaches, itching (just occasionally and then a back scratcher takes care of it) and more intense reactions. And, for that I am grateful.
My suggestion is to just pace yourself and do what you can to adapt to the fatigue whether it’s temporary for you or not.

Thank you! Fortunately I’m retired at working for Jesus, so I’m resting more with an afternoon nap!

Yes, fatigue and brain fog come and go. I'm 70, on HU x 6 years. I also chalk a lot up to age. Overall I felt better after starting HU, but I do think it magnifies effects of aging. If I wake up peppy, I do things like the screens, floors, painting the stoop, etc. If not, I knit and read. I do try to get my little yoga routine in regardless and drink my 64 oz of water.

I am so sorry for what you and your siblings have gone through. You know way too much about ET already.

christina3444's right: pace yourself, don't try to do too much. I really hope you'll start to feel better as your platelet count goes down.

This forum has been a HUGE help!

Thank you for the encouragement! It’s ET