Aspirin

[janwh]

I’ve was diagnosed with ET five years ago and one of my daily meds is 75mg aspirin. I’ve had problems with my stomach recently and had to have a colonoscopy which showed that I have diverticular disease. Aspirin is to be avoided with this disease. Has anyone else had this problem, and what did you do? Spoke to my ET nurse and am waiting to hear back from my consultant. I’m also wondering if the aspirin has actually caused the diverticular disease.

[Superwoman]

Hi I have ET JAK 2 Posative diagnosed five and half years ago now, on Hydroxycarbamide, Enteric Coated Aspirin. also have diverticulitis and IBS,

I was told I had both many years ago now, had many tests done in the past and was told tha Aspirin is not a problem regarding Diverdicultitis or IBS.and when I went in Hydroxycarbamide they told me to continue with the Aspirin as would be part of my treatment.

Recently I have had some stomach scans, and due to have another endoscopy to make sure that all is OK as I have also had an ulcer in the past (not caused by the Aspirin ) but a viral stomach bug went on a course of Antibiotics for a few weeks and this cleared it. I have spoken with my Haematologist regarding the Aspirin and he was the one who has instigated the tests to make sure that all is well and to put my mind at rest.

Diverticula is very common in people over a certain age.

Never heard of Aspirin being a problem for anyone who suffers with it.

Jean

[janwh in reply to Superwoman]

Thanks for your reply Jean - it’s very reassuring. I think I may need to change to enteric coated aspirin.

[Superwoman in reply to janwh]

Hi, make sure you take your Aspirin on a full stomach, I take mine after a good breakfast of either porridge oats with nuts and blueberries, or sultana branflakes, nuts, dried apricots, blueberries and the 5% Greek plain yogurt this is a live culture yogurt and helps with any tummy troubles like IBS and diverticulitis, plus eating more fibre is a good thing like fruit and veg but do not overdo it as this can also cause more problems, also if you can try to avoid to much stress as this is also a trigger for these problems.

Last but not least, try to take more exercise even if it is ten minutes a day better than nothing or swimming and walking is also good.

And the biggest thing of all, if you have to take Hydroxycarbamide in the future make sure that you drink at least 2ltrs of water in a 24 hour period this flushes out any toxins in the body, also wonderful for plumping up the skin 😜

Stayed tuned to our wonderful forum there are lovely people on here with lots of tips and advise, some have had their MPN for many years so know what they are talking about. And if you can get to one of the forums providing you are in the UK or Ireland well worth a trip very informative, plus you get to meet people that are in the same boat, plus Nurses and Doctors that are very much involved with patients that have an MPN. Maz our forum co-ordinator can send you information regarding ET she can sort you out with a buddy, this is someone you can talk to who has the same condition they can really help and you do not feel so alone. You will find her on MPN Voice.

Jean

[Anag in reply to Superwoman]

Hi Jean. Yes aspirin must be coated! Since I didn’t want to take 100mg per day, I take 50mg of Aspirin 3x per week and 60mg of Ginkgo biloba 3x every day. For me it’s worked perfectly against clotting for a year now. It‘s the oldest tree in existence, I had 0 side effects and it also helps support my leg veins. The effects on the brain and heart are also good. Apririn is a chemical. Less is better, when possible.

[Jonnymitts]

Hi I had diverticula & IBS before I was diagnosed with ET CALR+ I have been taking the enteric coated one and Omeprazole for the last 3 years and apart from usual ibs issues and occasional diverticula flare up I’m okay on it so far 🤞🏼

[janwh in reply to Jonnymitts]

I’m pleased to hear that you take Omoprazole without any problems Jonnymitts - I have to take it too. Without it my vocal chords are very badly effected by the reflux - really can’t countenance a life without singing, it’s my passion! Sounds like I need to change to the enteric coated aspirin as both you and Jean have that.

[ashby7763]

I am a 75, male, have ET and have a past history of duodenal ulcers...oh and I have diverticulitis (all boxes ticked!). I've been taking hydrea for six years resulting in ingrown toenails and finger nails de-laminating. I've given up on the hydrea and only take dispersible aspirin and I've discovered a wonderful thing call 'Slippery Elm' from Holland & Barrett (other health food stores are available). which I take every night. I've only been on this this year so early days, but so far I get a good night's sleep and no probs. My doctor said to avoid the enteric coated aspirin as it only send the irritation further down the tubes.

Hope this as been some help on your life journey.

Michael

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

HI Janwh, there are alternatives to aspirin, so discuss this with your haematologist. Best wishes, Maz

[Wyebird]

I take clopidogril instead of aspirin. I’m sure the consultant will recommend it or an alternative.