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ET and Anemia

I just heard on an MPN Facebook live program that rarely does a person with ET have anemia. If they do it means that they are in transformation.
I have ET and anemia.
Can someone please shed some light on this? I’m concerned a little more now.
Thank you.

  1. Hi, interesting. You may want to ask your medical team further about what was discussed on that program, perhaps they have another outlook s well. Wishing you the very best!

    1. They talked about all MPN’s. A lot of different issues about them.

    2. Hi Tony, I just wanted to check in. We're you able to find out any information about your ET and anemia? Hope all is well with you! Warm wishes, Katelynn (Team member)

  2. Your iron levels should be checked whenever you have labs drawn. My iron fluctuates and sometimes I have to take a supplement a few times a week to bring it back up. If it gets borderline anemia they may even choose to do iron infusions. I find taking supplements works well. Otherwise you're going to feel really tired and want to sleep more.

    1. I should have said that being anemic doesn't necessarily mean the ET has progressed. If I'm not comfortable with any information I get from my Dr I will and have gotten a 2nd opinion. I'm fortunate to live within an hour and a half of the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville and I have a hematologist/oncologist that I confer with about every 6 months. (They also do tela health calls).

    2. thanks for the clarification. That makes sense, and great advice once again! I'm glad you have access to doctors and medical facilities you trust. I agree that seeking a second opinion is a good idea for any of us, especially when we're feeling uncertain. We greatly appreciate your input!

  3. I've been borderline anemic and was told I could have iron infusions or take a supplement to bring up my iron levels. I opted for the supplements and was able to get my numbers back up to a normal range. My hematologist said as long as all my numbers stayed relatively stable my prognosis was just as good as anyone.

    1. Here is a link to the National Library of Medicine that may help you understand a little more.
      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25531047/#:~:text=Essential%20thrombocythemia%20patients%20develop%20acute,the%20first%20decade%20of%20diagnosis.

      Best of luck.

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