My 67 yr old father was diagnosed with ET + JAK2 mutation in May 2024 and a high platelet count around 800,000. Because he had no preexisting conditions and was put in the “high risk” category only because of his age, he decided to follow the daily aspirin protocol.

He and I did exuberant amounts of research and decided to try to lower his platelet levels naturally. He began a 3 day water fast (mountain glacial water only + Himalayan salt for electrolytes) in order to induce Autophagy.

When 72 hours passed he took a binder (fulvic acid or chlorella) to ensure any toxins were removed from his body and he slowly introduced easily digestible healthy foods such as high quality bone broth, salmon, beets, etc. The next day he began an ivermectin protocol (Dr. Williams Makis) followed by a spike protein detox protocol (Dr. Peter McCullough) as he did receive a COVID MRNA vaccine as well as 1 or 2 boosters.

He continued to consume the high quality bone broth as well as daily vitamins and supplements known to reduce inflammation and boost immune function (Dr. Rhonda Patrick).

He had his platelet levels checked a month later and they were down to about 700,000. Seven months later, his platelet levels have remained stable and around 600-700k mark. He has continued to eat a Mediterranean diet in order to maintain low levels of inflammation in his body as well as low intensity exercise 3-4 days per week.

His energy levels have increased significantly as well as his overall appearance. He no longer feels drained by 3PM everyday and has been active with his grandkids. Please let me know if you have any questions and I’m happy to try to help the best I can.

Fatigue is not related to the number of platelets, though it might correlate with the platelet levels in some cases. Fatigue is caused directly by the MPN and/or the medications used to treat. The driver mutations that cause ET do more than make too many platelets. They also upregulate the JAK-STAT pathway, increasing production of inflammatory cytokines. The overproduction of inflammatory cytokines is thought to be responsible for many of the constitutional symptoms people with MPNs experience. There are additional causes for the fatigue that would also need to be explored on an individual basis. Some can be more directly treated than others.

These are some good resources on the topic of fatigue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGVvbTcC8zs

https://www.mpnvoice.org.uk/living-with-mpns/ev...

https://www.mympnteam.com/resources/managing-fa...

Fighting fatigue

https://www.mpnvoice.org.uk/living-with-mpns/everyday-challenges/fighting-fatigue/

Managing Fatigue With MPNs | myMPNteam

https://www.mympnteam.com/resources/managing-fatigue-with-mpns

Hi, I can't say I've found a direct relationship between platelet count and symptoms. That being said, some patients who are able to get their platelets into normal range or near it do have a reduction in all symptoms! But for me...I think it's more than a high platelet count that causes the fatigue and other symptoms because I've had ET (now slowly? Progressing to MF) for 18 years. I didn't experience ET symptoms until about year 8 after diagnosis, while having high platelets the whole time. So, what happened within my body and with my cancer that made the symptoms start? I've had my c reactive protein checked many times, an inflammation market. It's always very low indicating no inflammation. I don't think the fatigue cause has been figured out. Do you have red blood cells and hgb in the normal range? Low reds makes me feel a different kind of tired and weak. While a 'fatigue episode' makes my body fall asleep and nap for up to 2 1/2 hours. Hasn't been happening that often lately.

A specialist might have some options for you. I wish you the best.

Good to hear you have an appointment with a specialist.

Low dose aspirin worked for me, reduced pins and needles too.