Osteoarthritis and Platelets rising.

[Kareneliz]

This is my first post, i read daily but have never posted. I was diagnosed last year in Febuary with ET and Jak2. My Platelets when diagnosed were 1300 Feb 2023. The lowest was 456 on 2/8, Then when i started feeling pain from The Osteoarthritis then went up to 526 on 5/9 and then 555 on 5/20. I am in intense pain in the night when i have to get up and in the morning until i sit and have coffee, then the pain subsides alot. I had an Xray and it said i have Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis in my left hip and lower back, on 4/17. Could the rise have anything to do with my pain? Thank you so much, Karen

[hunter5582]

There is a relationship between ET and inflammatory conditions like osteoartritis. Inflammation causes reactive thrombocytosis. The JAK2 mutation causes the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, exacerbating inflammatory issues like osteoartritis. It is important to note that it is normal for platelet levels to cycle by as much as 100K in as single day in response to what is going on in the body.

The short answer is that there could be a correlation between your platelet levels and the degree of pain you feel from osteoarthritis. This is something I have experienced myself managing a MPN and osteoarthritis. I have found the most relief from using curcumin to reduce systemic inflammation. It makes a huge difference in my pain level and functionality.

Hope you find an approach that works for you.

[Kareneliz in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so very much!!! I have seen your reply’s many times before and was hoping you would answer me ! I just got into Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and my first appt is in July, I am looking forward to better answers then I’m getting from my Hematologist! Thank you again.

[Pogm]

Hi,

Hope that you are getting to see a MPN specialist. It is so crucial to be under the care of a specialist. I see a regular hematologist as well, and make sure that both doctors receive any CBC results, xrays or any other pertinent medical records. I have osteoarthritis, which was diagnosed 12 years ago, and 9 years ago underwent a left hip replacement and currently will have my right hip replaced in 3 weeks! My diagnosis of osteoarthritis predated my diagnosis of a MPN, but who knows that the amount of inflammation I have carried in my body through the years contributed to the rise of a MPN. I notice that if my platelets are higher, I have more pain. I cannot take curcumin, tumeric, etc because I am on blood thinners, due to past history with atrial fibrillation. Both hematologists feel the blood thinners are essential, considering my heart history. I take Besremi(interferon) and Jakafi(low dose) and these medications have been extremely important in controlling my PV. I hope you MPN specialist considers either an interferon or Jak inhibitor for your condition. The long/short of it is that you/we will have osteoarthritis the rest of our lives and try to do the best to move around. Address the MPN situation and get the best care you can and carry on! Good luck with your appointment!.

[Kareneliz in reply to Pogm]

My hemotologist is not a specialist now, but i called Mayo and they ask for all my records from blood tests to Xrays etc. they called last week. Knowing it's difficult to be seen there, i was so happy to hear they called to make an appt. I have been on Hydroxyurea 500 mg. since the beginning and it was working and i was asked if i had any pain, i wasn't at the time and a week later it all changed! He wanted to up my dose slightly to 2 extra pills on the weekend and i asked to wait because he wanted to after i had Shingles and i said not yet and i was right that time. I still work out 5 days a week for 50 minutes on an recumbent bike, so far the pain gets better in the morning after i wake and sit and coffee. I am sorry you are suffering so much, i know what that must do to you when every step hurts! I am 72 and have a soon to be 9 year old daughter. My granddaughter/ daughter now. So i am playing the part of a 30 year old mom, not easy in so many ways! I am going to ask about Tumeric / Curcumin at my next visit, i take baby aspirin 81 mg now and i also have headaches nothing new for me and take meds with Acetaminophen. Thank you for responding it means the world to me, i look healthy and i wonder sometimes if anyone believes i am sick at all! It's nice to be able to talk to others who are experiencing what i am, and what they are experiencing! I waited so long to comment!! Thank you. <3