Essential Thrombocythemia - ET

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Now in 5th year of treatment for Essential thrombocythemia - medication is hydroxicarbamide. 

Would be interested to learn how people are finding this condition is developing over a period of years & what physiological effects are noticeable .   

In my case there is the usual issue of balancing platelet control with damage to white cells. 

Now I am being told there is additionally a worrying reduction is the effectiveness of my immune system. 

How are others finding their condition is developing over a period of years?

Are there any physically debilitating effects?

  • Hi again  and well done navigating across to this corner of the Community……. I am Mike and I help out around our blood cancer groups.

    I don't have Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) but I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a very rare (also incurable) but treatable type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Stage 4 in late 2013) so although my Blood Cancer ‘type’ is rather different I do appreciate the challenges of this journey well.

    Let’s look for the group members to pick up on your post.

    There are a number of active group members at the moment so why not click on the main ‘Group Title’ and this will bring up all the group discussions. Have a look at the posts and as always you can hit reply to any post and connect in with the wider group conversations.

    You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

    Do check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and most centres do run monthly Heamatology Support Groups most are online at the moment….. the one I attend does have a few folks with ET in it so worth checking.

    You may also want to check out MPN VOICE UK for some good information and have various support platforms.

    Always around if you need further help or just want to chat.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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    1. Hi, I  have  the  same  condition as you,  in the last  2 years  I  find myself  finding  it harder  to walk  and keep  my balance,  my bones  are very  painful . However  after  changing  my GPS surgery  as the old doctors had  no interest  at all.  My new GP has arranged  an Mri scan  and an  appointment  with  a neurologist  which is all happening  next week  so hopefully  I  will  get  some  answers.  Because  to be honest  at the  moment  I've  had  enough,  the  cancer  I  can  deal  with,  but having  to be dependent on others  and having  such a low  quality  of life  is beginning  to get  me down.  Sorry  not much  help from me  but  hopefully  you  will  get  some  answers  soon
  • Hi there

    I’ve had ET since 2019 and am on hydroxycarbamide and aspirin. I’ve found my energy levels and bone pain much the same as it was five years ago although I’ve changed to coated aspirin as I started getting acid reflux last year.  My sleep seems a bit more disrupted now though so that does affect general energy. After 4 years of having steady platelets, last year they suddenly started to spike again and so I needed to take more hydroxycarbamide. It took about 9 months for them to come down again though there seemed to be a slight upward trend again last blood test.  So fingers crossed they’re stable!  Not much else I can say to offer any help or advice, other than to send support. By the way, have you attended any of the in-patient forums? I went to one last year and it was great to meet others with the same condition and chat about things.

    All the best

    Skaro