Jane, this is sort of a postscript, because I’ve been thinking about you ever since I wrote earlier. By the way, I tried to write to you last week to tell you how much I love this new profile picture of you and your family. Such a lovely photo.

I wanted to make a few more comments on your headaches in relation to the Anagrelide, even though you probably have had enough advice through everyone’s help. Keep in mind that I cannot suggest anything that would harbor on medical advice which would be unethical and illegal, especially for a nurse, I do however have some suggestions that you can keep in mind as “words to the wise.”

* Be very careful about taking over-the-counter NSAIDs for the increasing headaches even though it is a temptation when there seems to be no relief. Those drugs might increase bleeding in patients receiving Anagrelide. Even when you are taking acetaminophen, you need to clear the dosage with your doctor. Especially in the early weeks/months of taking this, the doctor will be watching your tolerance of it, so be sure not to wait to inform him of changes in the intensity, frequency, and duration of the headaches, so that changes can be made if necessary.

* Try to take breaks from your computer or screen, as in every 20 minutes or so, to reduce eye strain which can also be a contributing factor.

* If possible, take a short nap during the day.

* Look up apps or Utube exercises on relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.

* Last but possibly even more important is to make sure you are drinking enough water, something that I have to be constantly reminded about myself.

Hopefully, I hope I haven’t bored you to death, Jane, but I guess that repetition is something most of us can benefit by, at least once in a while. Hugs to you always!

Hi Jane, I’m so sorry about your headaches now on the Anegrelide. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise that my hematologist didn’t cater to my pleading to be prescribed that two or three years ago when I insisted in stopping HU due to swallowing issues for one thing. In earlier years prior to my MPNs, I had severe migraines, so I hope your headaches aren’t becoming such a debilitating factor for you. You already have your hands full with a job, husband, and children, so I will be sure to add this for the prayer group this week. Okay? Take time for yourself, my dear. Go for a massage, get your hubby to give you a nice backrub, or take a long bubble bath with sweet music playing…..and tell the kids to stop asking, “Mom, what’re we having for dinner?”

@A myMPNteam Member side effects of all meds can be heavy , also consider the knowledge of the specialist about side effects of a med
ps treated now at the university i had a second opinion

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Hi! Why not considering another medication? Most people are doing well with the newer interferon and it tends to have less side effects than hydroxyurea.

@A myMPNteam Member my sister is now starting with Anagrelide, she took so much hu to control her blood values that she needed a blood transfusion
she was talking about those mouth ulcer
hoping she is allowed to take less hu

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