48 (2018) married 3 kids. Bromley Kent. Diagnosed with essential thrombocythaemia 2016. Been on hydroxycarbamide since diagnosis. Diagnosed with portal hypertension with varacies in 2000, prescribed betablockers to manage pressure in the vein. Had annual endoscopy to monitor condition of the varacies and the risk of bleeds. Suffered a bleed in 2016 and admitted to hospital. Suspsequently diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms as a result of the bleeds so went through a complex process of stopping the bleeds while balancing blood thinners to minimise the risk of the clots. Discharged from hospital only to relapse again 7 days later. Had to have 3 units of blood transfused and spent a couple of weeks on the ward when I was diagnosed with ET. After discharge, I went through an intensive phase of endoscopy to band and glue the varacies, which seemed to work ok (if only very uncomfortable...) fast forward 18 months I had another bleeding episode which saw me spend another 2 weeks in hospital to ‘patch me up’. I’ve been having OGD’s every 6 weeks to monitor the condition. I used to take warfarin, but because it’s difficult to manage around my OGDs I’m now on clexane, which I inject twice a day. I’m a Project Manager at TfL and my employer is very good, allowing me time to go to my oncology appointments and to have my endoscopies. I do get tired, as my haematologist changes my dose depending on my platelet counts and they also change the betablockers to reduce my blood pressure that makes me light headed and dizzy... that said, it’s not that bad and it could be a lot worse. While I was in hospital, there were people far far poorer than me, so I refuse to let this illness dictate my health and stop me from living my life. You only get one life, you might get dealt a bum hand, but you just have to get on with it and make the most of every day. Live long and prosper...
