Hi Everyone: Hi, I'm Karen aged 50. I was... - Fight MPN

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Hi Everyone

Senoritakazza profile image
8 Replies

Hi, I'm Karen aged 50. I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia JAK2+ in 2009. I am still on Clopidogrel daily.

My most hated symptom is fatigue although over the last couple of years I have developed nodules on my fingers and they can be pretty painful and stiff as can my hips and knees 😞 especially in cold and damp weather.

I am very interested in complimentary medicines and use herbal teas and various supplements to help with the pain (I always check with my Haemotologist first).

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Senoritakazza profile image
Senoritakazza
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8 Replies
Jplsuper profile image
Jplsuper

Senoritakazza i have had ET since 1988 and MF for about 5 years. I've never taken a blood thinner. I am on Jakafi and it is a miracle drug for me. You need a second opinion from another Doctor. Best of luck!

Senoritakazza profile image
Senoritakazza in reply to Jplsuper

Thank you jplsuper, you sound like Jakafi really works for you. My platelets go up and down between the 400s and 700s, would Jakafi be too strong?

Jplsuper profile image
Jplsuper in reply to Jplsuper

Senoritakazza i don't think so. Mine stay between 500 and 700. I have some problems with anemia. But I fill so much better. I don't hurt all over, bone and muscle pain all over. I feel like I can enjoy life again

Senoritakazza profile image
Senoritakazza

I may speak to my Haemo about jakafi. I have recently moved back to the UL from Spain so feeling my way around the system. I have terrible bone ache etc so am at present waiting for an appointment to see a Rheumatologist. I think they are trying to decide between them which illness is causing the most pain and how to treat it - only me! 😄

zfatherhen profile image
zfatherhen

Wish my platelets had just stayed between 400 and 700. Not giving you anything to reduce the platelets is probably the right thing to do at this point, just keep monitoring them. Not sure the doctor is allowed to prescribe Jakafi for ET as it was approved for myelofibrosis, and the drug insurance may not cover it. Even with insurance, Jakafi is very expensive unless you qualify for aid. I had ET for 22 years and now MF. The Jakafi did totally eliminate my joint aches and pains and made me feel young again. However, it really wiped out my red cell count and I'm on weekly Procrit shots to get it back up, another very expensive drug if your medical insurance does not cover it. So, the Jakafi has actually contributed to my fatigue because of lowering the red cell count. Each person is different and the treatment needs to be tailored to you.

tuffetgal profile image
tuffetgal in reply to zfatherhen

hi zfatherhen

your personal info has helped me decide not to ask for jakafi. my platelets are over 900+ but other than fatigue i have no other symptoms. i take vits c & e, and arginine for blood vessel flexibility and watch my diet. i guess i am luckier than most for i am 74 and other than pv am blessed with good health. so, i will soldier on, doing what i am doing, and plan my days according to my level of energy.

i am anemic but think that is a trade off i will have to abide by. my red blood cells are minimally low, so i am lucky there too. thanks again. pvnow3

Kiturah profile image
Kiturah

I have had severe fatigue problems for years due to Lyme disease. I get some relief from that with a tea made of antioxidants and adaptogens from five flavor herb shop in Oakland CA. They do mail it. I had to have them take anything that made BP rise because I had high BP, so not quite their standard adaptogen tea, but close. It is not expensive, if you want to invest in a package and a phone call.

Found this out by accident, I was at the shop for a different reason and tried the free sample of tea, two cups. I could do three things that day, instead of my usual one. It has held, I've been using it for a couple of years.

Kiturah profile image
Kiturah

I recently refound the rhodiola I used to take. It does help the fatigue, so glad I found it again.

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