- Essential Thrombocythemia
- Interviews
Tony's interview
How did all start?
having a blood test after having hepatitis A
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
yes they worked out I had it for over 9 years before diagnosis
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I was treated with hydrocyrea for 3 hrs and broke out with ulcers on my lower legs then have been treated with Agrylin which I have been on ever since and is working to keep me stable
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
the leukeamia foundation in supplying me information which my specialist couldn't supply
What have been your biggest difficulties?
my specialist not knowing enough when I started but trying to pretend that he did
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
most of my friends didnt understand and left me lost my job due to loss of brain function loss of memory my wife is my carer and I feel pretty useless
What things have you stopped doing?
most things no longer have the ability to think things thru and forget where I am upto
What do you think about the future?
my life is pretty crap
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
prior to 2009 paid of my house preparing to travel and things turned bad
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
spend more time with my kids
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
shit
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
learn not to stress
