You seen to be pretty well educated on the ET subject. I was diagnosed 10 years ago with ET, I had clots in my abdominal aorta, spleen and legs. I to have suffered relentlessly with itching (words could never explain). I have found a great deal of relief by taking a combination of Zyrtec and Famotide nightly. This is not a total relief but works most of the time. My doctor says it’s because the combination makes a “complete antihistamine”. Thank you for your feedback stay well and informed.

My hemoglobin and hematocrit have been stable with hydroxyurea. My ferritin (iron stores) is very low (my doctors don’t seem too concerned about the ferritin), but I do get fatigued most days. So, I’m not sure the hemoglobin is really as effective in carrying oxygen as it should be. My platelets are stable but not as functional as they should be. Twice I have injured myself and incurred massive swelling (blood loss inside my skin), probably from torn or damaged muscles. So, I suspect both my platelets and RBC’s are immature or damaged and not fully functional. Doctors use HGB and HCT as an indicator of our blood health, but I’m not sure they tell the whole story (based on my experience anyway). Sorry your HGB is low, but my thought is that this is a very complex disease and varies somewhat from person to person. In my case, no one can explain my intractable severe itching. The only way I can function is with daily overdoses of antihistamine. But, most days are pretty good and I’m glad I can still lead a normal (within limits) life. Good luck and best wishes.
Pat Johnson