Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myMPNteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Too many tasks gives me anxiety I have ET and on 500 mg of Hydrea twice a day

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
Cape Coral, FL
November 30, 2025
 · 
Reactions
A myMPNteam Member

Thank you ! Today was a good day

December 1, 2025
A myMPNteam Member

I think it’s important as you are adjusting to a new reality (a chronic condition), that your ability right now to juggle lots of tasks may not be possible. It’s an added stress to what is likely a stressful situation. I’ve had to adjust my own expectations with how I’m feeling. I get overwhelmed.

I was hoping to do a family get-together this year for Christmas and I simply can’t. I think of what I have to do and the energy isn’t there. I’m not putting myself through it because I crash afterwards with awful joint pain, I get badly overheated, panicky, etc. I never had anxiety attacks and now I get post-anxiety attacks with the release of who knows what as I come down. Just not worth it anymore. I’m still learning to be kind to myself as I get frustrated by not doing as much as I could but I am learning and I think it’s better for me.

We all learn to cope with stress in our own ways. I hope you find yours.

November 30, 2025
myMPNteam

How can I manage anxiety and stress while living with essential thrombocythemia and taking hydroxyurea?

Living with ET and taking hydroxyurea can understandably bring anxiety. While the search results don't specifically address stress management techniques, they do provide information about what to expect with your Show Full Answer

How can I manage anxiety and stress while living with essential thrombocythemia and taking hydroxyurea?

Living with ET and taking hydroxyurea can understandably bring anxiety. While the search results don't specifically address stress management techniques, they do provide information about what to expect with your treatment that might help ease some concerns.

Hydroxyurea is commonly used to reduce platelet counts in people at high risk for blood clots. It works by acting on megakaryocytes to reduce platelet formation. Understanding how your treatment works can sometimes help reduce anxiety about the unknown.

Common side effects to be aware of include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Darkened skin
- Increased risk of skin cancer (requiring sun protection)
- Low blood cell counts

The medication can increase sun sensitivity, so using strong sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure is important. This is something you can actively control in your daily routine.

If you're experiencing significant anxiety about your condition or treatment, it's worth discussing with your healthcare team. They may be able to address specific concerns about your treatment plan or suggest supportive resources. Some members of myMPNteam have found that connecting with others who understand what living with ET is like can provide emotional support during challenging times.

Are there specific aspects of your treatment or condition that are causing you the most stress?

November 30, 2025

Related Questions

View All

When did you start taking drugs to decrease platelets?

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
Cairo, GA
March 27, 2023 (edited)

MPN Treatments and Effects on Quality of Life
Getting Started on myMPNteam
Headaches and MPNs: Causes and Treatment