Does anyone know if having ET makes one more s... - MPN Voice
Does anyone know if having ET makes one more susceptible to strokes/heart attacks even when the platelets are well controlled?
Hi Mwalimu,
I Don't Have ET, but did see if i could find out anything regards to your question (I failed: Finding formal papers to compare to PV might take a while..) I really am sorry (But i will continue to search on and off as and when possible, i'm really curious..)
The one thing that i'd be asking to be monitored is: Your INRs' (International normalisation ratio) It measures how sticky your platelets are, or not. (I think)
But Please please please know that i could be so wrong.. And that you have asked such a relevant question too. (Well 'I' think you have)
I have whats called 'Idiopathic Polycythaemia' (I'm not JACK2 Positive, and no-one knows why i have Polycythaemia.) But i am on aspirin to ensure (With in reason) that my platelets are not too sticky.
As far as i know Warfarin works better (But the side affects make me uncomfortable: - venasections can be a bit more difficult when on warfarin too. [I only witnessed this on one account; so that doesn't say much really])
What meds are you on and how do they affect 'You' and you with ET? (If its ok to ask?)
Geoff
Geoff, Warfarin and Aspirin act in completely different ways. Warfarin thins the blood Aspirin affects the way your platelets behave ie stops them from clumping together.
You need to check your INR only when you take Warfarin. Warfarin is usually prescribed short term after a clotting event, the drug is not recommended for long term use.
Geoff, thank you for looking. I shall certainly do what you suggest and let you know what answer I get from the haem / GP whichever answers first. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and now have HU 500mg X 6 days and 75 mg asprin daily. ( I asked the question because I want to spend 4 weeks in Abyssinian Highlands. Altitude 6000 - 9000.) I feel good but am fatigued sometimes - am careful what I eat, and exercise. The effect of HU seems to be for me: very dry skin, soles easily blister, possibly secondary erythromelalgia affecting hands specially left-side(about to be investigated and not bad).Think am very lucky and being retired helps! Hope you're well ......
Hello Mwalimu,I have ET and I'm 71 yrs of age. I was diagnosed approx. 4 yrs ago. I was told by the consultant I was at risk because of my age and the level the platelets were at. I did not want to take medication and was prepared to take my chances. However he pointed out that my end might not be swift and may have to be cared for by my wife hence I now take the medication but once platelets safe I come off them and let my cells return to normal. Always discuss this with the consultant though, as I do!
In answer to the OP original question it is less likely to have a stroke or heart attack if your blood count is well controlled. Recent studies have suggested It is not just the platelets that require to be well controlled.
