I have ET JAK2+ and platelets 488. Age 55 yrs. Clogged arteries in legs and family history of heart disease put me in high risk category so I'm taking aspirin and hydroxyurea, 1000 mg for 4 days, 500 mg for 3 days.
Unsure if I am having ITA's as had panic attack on Friday, heart pumping fast, strong but regular and then had numbness down left side of face and left hand. Lasted for approx 5 minutes with no other stroke like symptoms (slurred speech, drooping face etc). Used to get these often when sitting down for long periods at the computer but haven't had it for over a year now.
This aside, is it safe for me to have massages? What have other people experienced or been told?
Thanks, Fiona
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fee13
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If this was a TIA (transient ischaemic attack) you should go to A&E immediately because statistically there is a high risk that it will be followed by a more serious stroke, fairly soon.
Sounds rather terrifying... As Jane said - I personally would be heading straight to to a&e with any symptoms of TIA stroke or heart attack. After all - the biggest danger we face with ET is heightened risk of those things happening so don't take any chances....
No idea re massages - but I hope it's not an issue!
Hi. Leaving aside the question of the TIAs (and yes, I would get checked out pronto!), I have just started having fortnightly massage sessions. I was alerted to the idea of therapeutic massage on this Forum.
A friend of mine qualified as a masseuse some years back but has specialised in working with cancer patients and elderly people. She runs weekly sessions at our local hospice so I feel in safe hands. No idea if it is making the slightest bit of difference to the PV but she has sorted out all kinds of problems with my back and I feel better for it.
There isn't much I can do to 'take control' of this disease so I thought I'd try hydration, green veg and a bit of TLC! Got to be worth a whirl!
As a massage therapist I would say it would be ok but whoever massages you may want a letter from your consultant - some spas and salons and clinics may not massage you without this. As I have PV myself and work with all sorts of cancer patients I wouldn't ask for this but I know from other posts some people have been declined massage completely so might be best to be prepared. I would also make sure they have some experience in this area. Good luck!
Thank you everyone. I had a big blood work up today and have a new general doctor that I will see on Friday that concentrates on chronic illness and listens to his patients.
Yes, I've had the big growling at and if I have another episode I will go straight to A&E and wait there for 6 odd hours (it's a joke over here).
Thanks Maz for reminding me about MPN voice, I think massages will help with relieving some of the daily muscle tension.
Quick update - Doctor's 99% sure my numbness was due to another variation of a migraine and also says due to panic attack I may have received too much oxygen to the brain which can give numbness and tingling down the face, arms etc., and to be aware that weakness in any part of my body with the numbness will need urgent investigation.
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Good luck! 
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