Should over 75 old patient with ET continue to take baby aspirin?

[Ludek]

Hello, I am 78, have ET and on Droxia, with platelets in low 600 range. My hematologist insists that I should continue with daily baby aspirin despite USPSTF report of April 26, 2002 suggesting that it may be reasonable to consider discontinuing aspirin use around age 75 years due to little benefit. Unable to find anyone online, whether Doctor or patient, commenting on this report either in favor or against. Has any member faced this issue? Thank you.

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[Otterfield]

Personally I think you would be wise to follow your haematologist's advice on this. In the meantime, perhaps you could ask to be referred to an MPN specialist if you are not already seeing one.You may well find someone commenting online but any advice should come from a doctor who knows you and your condition personally.

[hunter5582]

The answer is - it depends. It depends on your MPN profile. it depends on your preferences. it depends on which doc you talk to. Most would say YES to aspirin for age 75. Some would say NO based on the increased risk of hemorrhage then age > 60.

As Otterfield suggests, best review this with a MPN Specialist who can review your individual profile.

[Joetcalr]

Hi Ludek, I'll be interested in whatever you find out. My mum was put on aspirin at age 80+ for misguided reason, she gradually weakened thro stomach bleeding unbeknown to her, collapsed, and if my brother hadn't found her and taken her to hospital for blood transfusions she would have pegged it. On recovery she carried on with her daily raw garlic and lived another 15 years.

I'm taking aspirin at the moment for ET, but am also now wondering whether it could be affecting Hb which is very low. Best wishes Jo

[Wyebird]

I think your heamo knows best. Does the report mention MPN patients. I imagine it refers to healthy people with no underlying blood conditions.