ET

[Jackie49]

I have just been diagnosed with ET and my consultant has refered me to a cardiology and

neurology does any one know the reason why or is it just procedure.?

[johoho]

Hi Jackie, welcome to the forum, i hope we can help. Just wondering, what symptoms did you first present with?

[Jackie49 in reply to johoho]

It was picked up by having a routine blood test March 16, but I did see my doctor about feeling dizzy at the time . My platelet count in jan was 900 and a month later it dropped to 802 at the moment I am on asprin. But I do suffer with headaches now and then.

[catkinspolymer]

Checking for some kind of thrombolytic incdent perhaps ? Very Thorough Town Crier

[AndyT]

Hi Jackie - welcome to the club - I'm sure you will find this forum and the MPN Voice website great sources of support, advice and information as you get used to living with ET - it's not as scary as it first seems..! Only time I was referred to Cardiology was when considering treatment with Anagrelide but that didn't come to anything. As johoho has suggested your referral may be to do with symptoms or I guess your doctor could just be being thorough in investigating all avenues. Hope all goes well for you. Andy

[Kari1961]

Hi Jackie

I was sent to Cardio before the definite diagnosis of PV was confirmed. I think they wanted to rule out other illnesses, which could have possibly been causing my symptoms and make sure that everything was working as it should. I had an echocardiogram, lots of breathing and lung capacity checks, plus chest x-rays and blood tests. In fact it was a full body MOT.

If you're worried you could always give your consultants secretary a call to see whether it's procedure.

Karina

[Eadaoin]

I had been diagnosed with ET for 10 years when I started to develop other worrying symptoms. At the time I thought all my health problems were caused by what was going on in my blood (don't we all ?!). I told my Haematologist what was happening. She recognised a possible heart condition and immediately referred me to Cardiology. They confirmed that it was to do with my heart and not with the blood condition which came as a bit of a relief. Your GP is obviously very good and very thorough. I hope all goes well for you.

[Hidden]

The biggest risk is strokes so therefore would imagine they are checking your head and heart to see whether there are any additional risk factors and they can then decide on your medication for ET and also to reduce any risks.

I would say always ask your doctor why they are doing any referrals or tests.

Good luck

[Jackie49]

Thankyou all for your comments, It has been very help full . I only think of questions

to ask after I have left the consultants room.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hello Jackie, welcome to our forum, I can see that you have had some very helpful replies to your question, I would reiterate that your consultant is being thorough, it might help you to ask why you have been referred to cardiology and neurology. It's always a good idea when you attend an appointment with your haematologist, or indeed any consultant, to write down any questions you have, this will ensure that you remember to ask the important questions and won't forget to ask something, and it also helps the consultant because if there isn't time to answer all of your questions you can leave them with him/her to answer them at the next consultation or they could write to you with the answers. Best wishes, Maz