As it’s blood cancer awareness month, I thought I’d be a good time to share my health story.
I was diagnosed with ET, a type of MPN in 2021. It means that the platelets in my blood are at a higher level than average which makes my blood stickier and puts me at risk of blood clots, strokes etc. In fact, I had a blood clot on my brain in 2014 but at the time, no tests for MPNs were done as far as I’m aware. Back then, I didn’t even know MPNs existed as I’m sure many people don’t so it’s important to raise awareness.
MPNs are classed as blood cancers because they cause changes to cells within the body but they are usually slow to progress and can be treated by medication in most cases if required.
Because I’m classed as high risk I’m on medication called anagrelide to reduce my platelets and I’m also on blood thinners. The ET and blood clot seem to affect my memory so there are occasions when I forget to take these!
Living with a chronic illness and its symptoms, along with side effects from the medication and the anxiety that comes with it all can be challenging. Today I’ve been experiencing fatigue and a bit of brain fog so I spent most of my lunch break having a lie down. I’m very grateful to work for a company who are understanding and supportive. I sometimes have to take time out for hospital appointments and they’re always accommodating.
I am also grateful for the other people I have met and spoke to who have an MPN as it’s a comfort to have support from people who understand in some way what I’m going through. MPN Voice are an amazing charity who provide invaluable advice and support regarding MPNs and raise awareness aswell as organising events, some of which I’ve attended in the past.
I do worry about my health in the future, especially progression and the heart issues I now have, which may or may not have been caused by my medication. I can only hope that my health conditions remain mostly manageable and that things won’t get any worse than they are now.
Thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far
Chelsey Prentice 