March 31, 2015

Essential Thrombocythemia Platelet Count Update

I am so sorry that I have not updated this blog in a very long time.  I have had so much going on with my five kids, etc.

I graduated from college with my AA this past December and I am working towards my Bachelors and Master's degrees.  My youngest child entered Kindergarten this school year and it has allowed me time to pursue my dream of finishing my education.  I want to become a high school English teacher.

I am feeling ... okay.  My platelet counts are still in the 750,000 which is not great, they have increased my Hydra to 3000 mg (6 pills a day).  I also still take a baby aspirin everyday.  The good news is that I tend to be symptom free as long as my count does not go over 900,000.  My platelet count has not reached 900,000 in over a year.

The greatest symptoms I experience when my platelet counts are high are the following:  pins and needles in my hands, feet and on the top of my head and also I become very fatigued.

I try not to let my chronic illness control my life.  I try to block it out of my mind.  The times that it bothers me the most are when I become very tired and when I put those 7 pills in my hand everyday at 37 years old and of course when I go to the doctor.  It never gets any easier getting stuck with a needle for blood draws.  I thought it would get easier over time but it still hurts and I dread it every time.

I am often scared when I think about the future because my illness began in my early 30's and I don't think it's ideal to have to take Hydra for the next 40-50 years.  But then I think about and the future holds no guarantees for anyone, whether they're sick or healthy.

I hope everyone is doing well and I will try to update my blog more often.

Take Care - S.