thank you Maureeen, N, for your replies.

I've not yet got to grips with how this works, if replies go to all - i think so. I'm actually sue, sootie is ridiculous, just couldnt have sue as my username! 

I took my first dose yesterday teatime and, in case i get fatigued - from the drugs presumably since ive inadvertantly had the condition for some years - and I think I'll keep to this, the aspirin at bedtime. I had a DVT c 6 years ago - always thought it was brought on by a long, too static coach journey, but now realise it wasnt that though that may have precipitated it at the time. Funny that platelets didnt seem to be looked at; as an American friend said 'you hear hoofbeats? you look for horses, not zebras!' 

again, many thanks

Sue 

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know how we stand with travel insurance?  I haven't checked with my consultant yet but am thinking if we are at risk of blood clots it wouldn't be advisable to travel by plane.

Hi,  

I have worldwide annual travel insurance as a package with my bank. You need to declare that you have ET  and I pay an additional £21 for which I am fully covered.

In the last 20 years I have had ET I have been on many long haul holidays. My consultant said there was no problem with flying but obviously I always make sure I wear flight socks!

Of course if you’re worried just check with your own consultant when you next see them. 

I hope this is helpful for you.

Hello Jrunner

My understanding of having ET is that, by having treatment, I am not at risk of blood clots any more than a completely healthy person, which of course, I am - I just take tablets to keep my body in balance.  I have been flying for the last 20 years, but I do have to declare ET for insurance.  Andnessb has said the rest, so keep flying!

Hi, 

One of the first things we did when I was diagnosed was check travel insurance as we'd just booked a holiday beforehand; made no difference to my premium on this occasion. Obviously should declare it though as suspect that wouldn't be true of every policy.

Thank you everybody, that's all good advice and very reassuring.

Hi all 

as I said before forum very helpfull 

Been off work for a week with stomach bug very painful but cleared up now 

Reason I mentioned this because all sorts of ideas came into my head 

As the forum chats say keeping up with my meds and I can live a normal life and do normal things like 

holidays flying no problem 

Stil getting used to life with ET but getting there with the great help I get from you guys 

Michael 

Hi Michael and anybody else following this thread.

Sorry to hear you have been poorly.  Do you mind if I ask do you think you were worse because of lowered immunity from the chemo med?  I ask because this is my biggest worry that it would be difficult to fight off an infection and at what point do I phone the number on the chemo alert card.  Obviously I would contact for high temperature or continuous vomitting but coughs and sore throats?  I had a chest infection in December and my sleepless nights were more worrying that feeling ill.  Perhaps, I'm just a worrier and still getting used to life with ET.

Any comments would be great. Thanks

Hi everyone

In the last 20 years I have had colds and the odd tummy bug, but generally treated them at home, as we do.  I got a bad throat infection after flying a couple of years ago, so went to my doctor, who gave me antibiotics, and then another two stronger lots consecutivelyl, as it still hadn't cleared up.  My husband had the same infection and number of antibiotics courses - no difference between us, so I am quite sure, that the fact I have ET made no difference to me catching the bug or recovering from it.  My dear man has recently had a cough, tiredness and general malaise for the last two weeks, possibly combined with January blues!  I, on the other hand, am fine, busy doing my computer and admin tasks as usual and going places.  When we have sick grandchildren coming for refuge to Nana's to spend the day on the settee, I don't get what they have got either!!  Why would we have lowered immunity anyway, because all the med is doing is killing platelets we don't need in a magic way, because it leaves enough running around our body, for when we need them to stop bleeding from a cut.  Put your worries in a box under a chair and get it out periodically if need be, but otherwise think about your next meal, your next holiday, your next or current love - and enjoy life..