Hi Vicki5,
After my platelet count reached 1127, my doctor prescribed Hydroxyurea (HU). Honestly, I felt sad and spent an entire week contemplating the decision. Now, I’ve been on it for three weeks.
I think everything will be fine. Good luck!

Thank you so much. It's good to know that others are fine with this medication. Happy Holidays!
Vicki

Your platelets sound moderately high, and that fluctuation in a three month period is not unusual, in my experience and from what others report here.

I started Hydrea in 2001: when first diagnosed with ET after blood clots in both lungs. I have the JAK2 mutation, and also a genetic predisposition to clotting.

Your doctor should be able to give you an assessment of your individual risk of complications at this point, and if he recommends you go on Hydrea why he believes that to be necessary.

Many here have taken Hydrea without issue for years, so it’s not necessarily something to fear.

There are other medications, as well, and your doctor should be able to tell you not only what he recommends but why he feels that is best for you.

All the best, and try not to panic,

I was started on HU when my platelets started to rise over several months from the 500’s to high 600’s. Since I had a suspected blood clot, hypertension and I
was 75 years old I was considered high risk so HU was started. Fortunately I have been tolerating 500. Mg daily for over two years. Platelets in the mid 250 range. I am monitored every 4 months. It seems that HU is the first line of therapy especially in older persons. It’s been in use for many years and more is known about the drug effectiveness and side effects. It sounds like your doctor is considering
medication therapy. Good to ask questions but don’t overthink.I have been a nurse for over 40 years and that is what I do and most of my worries never happen. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy Healthy New Year. Linda

Thank you for your response 🙂