22 years and still living a useful life at 75.

Progression! Definitely. My mother was also diagnosed with ET, at the age of 65, and lived on untill she was about to turn 85! Most of those years she led a full, normal life. But her last four years were a lot of pain. Now, when I have been diagnosed with the same illness, I wish I knew more about what she experienced and how her ET progressed. Unfortunatly she belonged to a generation which didn't speak much of how they really were, hence I don't know much. When I ask my doctors they just Wave away my worries and say It's no problem and I should forget about it?!

I was diagnosed nine years ago with PV. I am still on this side of the grass. Thank the good lord! I take one day at a time and try to live my life to the fullest ! I’m 83 years old.

We have all been dealt a crappy hand no doubt. At 71 years old, and being diagnosed 7 years ago, I just get up every morning, get ready for the day and give thanks that I can still do so. Don't let your disease tear you down by worrying. What next? None of us get out alive so get busy living. hydrate with plenty of good water in the a.m. Do whatever exercises you can to loosen up.
A healthy breakfast even when you aren't that hungry. Shower, and for you ladies, put on your best face and look in the mirror, smile and say this is going to be a great day. Then start having one. Only we can do for ourselves the things that make a difference. And be sure to stop for a moment and give thanks to your Heavenly Father for still being here. When I go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute for my blood work and see my oncology/hematologist, I always see how bad so many others have it with the chemo induced sickness, hair loss and can hardly walk. And you know, I don't feel so bad.
Hugs to you all..................
Dan

Everyone is different and to worry about dying is a waste of time because none of us know how long we have. I am sure the medications today are much better then when your mother had ET. I wish you would not worry over it because worry just makes things worse..