I have ET and I have been on Hydroxycarbamide for 18 months and my platelet count has been static for the last year down at around 420.

At my last check my count had dropped down to 310. I am due for a further check in August, is this sudden drop anything I should worry about or can this just happen?

[BlessedWithSix]

It sometimes happens.

[catkinspolymer]

I have had ET for 20 years now and my platelets go between 150 to 550 . I slightly increase or decrease my dose of HU now HC I suppose in the range of 10 tablets a week to 14 a week depending if I am near the limits.Hope this helps

Town crier

[Swede]

Hello, I agree with previous answers. Platelets are funny things and they seem to decrease or increase for no reason. I have been quite stable the last three years so just small changes for me.

MLA

[Hidden]

OK thanks for the answers, I will just wait and see. They have had very minor changes over the last 12 to 15 months since I have been on 14 tablets a week, just surprised to see them drop by 25% at one go.

[ballycool]

I don't think you should worry, I have been on 14 tabs per week for about 14 months now and my platelets have gone up and down between 141 and 450 over this time. As long as they remain within the acceptable range that is the main thing. Your consultant should reassure you re this. Good luck, hope you keep well.

[sutherland]

No need to worry. Platelet count of 310 is fine. If it was going the other way I might be concerned.

Take care.

[Seea]

Hi Yorkie

It is a positive thing that your platelets go down. I find with rest and relaxation it drops platelet count and with stress it increases platelet count.

If it got below 150 that would be reason for concern.