- Essential Thrombocythemia
- Interviews
James's interview
How did all start?
I went the doctor for a General check up and a blood test!!!
got a call a week or so later telling me i had a high platelet count and i needed to see the hematologist!
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
i was diagnosed on 05/feb 2019 it too 4 months from the date i seen the doctor
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
ive been put on Allopurinol and Hydroxyurea.
i know my platelet level was 1200 and its dropped to 920 in 5 days so we will see.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
well its early to say but the drugs seem to be reducing my platelet count!
What have been your biggest difficulties?
waiting for a diagnosis and convincing myself i had cancer!!!
i am afraid of getting clots or taking a stroke!
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
my family were very concerned and relieved that it wasn't cancer. nothing much has changed just yet and i will try keep it that way!
What things have you stopped doing?
i've stopped drinking alcohol and i've changed my diet a bit!
my activities have slightly changed in the gym!
What do you think about the future?
im optimistic!
i know it can develop to a more sinister disease but i will try stay on top of it and keep an eye on things!!!
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
ive had a good level of living and im still only 36 so i hope ive plenty of life left in me!!!
i am very active ive been all over the world and seen so many different places!
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
i dont have the condition long enough to say how it affects my day to day!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
at the moment "all over the place"
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
it is what it is!!!
lets just face it head on and try deal with it as best we can!
trust in your doctor and allow him or her to decide the best course of action to take!
try not to stress... i know its easier said than done but just try push on!!!!
