My Story
My name is Mark, I am 44 years of age, and live in Staffordshire, England. Primary Thrombocythaemia was diagnosed in myself after a routine blood test in December 1996. The natural thing for me to do was find out as much as I could about this condition, and why I have it. My Haematologist (a very nice man) could only tell me what it could do to me and how, by means of drugs, it could be controlled. The medical profession does not know, or will not say, what the cause is - hence my research.
The information gathered from the specialists, and on the internet, only served to scare me into a depression, worrying about what could happen if I didn't take the drugs. However, I was also worried about what could happen if I did take them, due to the possible side effects. The expression 'Between a rock and a hard place' seems very appropriate here. My decision was to leave the drugs, and try to find either the root cause and/or a natural solution.
My depression has now been overcome, and I have gone back to my old way of taking life as it comes, not worrying too much about what is around the corner.

Personal Trials
I have tried many things to reduce my Platelets, in the hope of identifying the cause - could it be a dietary deficiency? or an exposure to substances that cause the body to react in this way?
A methodical approach to testing has been achieved by recording my Platelet Count from day 1, and notating what action was taken on the previous three months.

This is what I have tried so far -

• Having my Amalgam fillings replaced.
• Multi Vitamin and mineral supplements .
• Sulphur tablets.
• Kelp tablets.
• Anti-oxidants.
• Apricot kernels - For Vitamin B17 anti Cancer properties.
• Vegetarian diet.
• Low Carbohydrate diet.
• Blood group diet - Similar to veggie (for my Blood type), but harder to follow.
• Body purge - To get rid of any parasites that may be lurking inside the body.
• Change of personal hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, etc.) - To reduce exposure to 'dangerous' additives.
• Glucosamine Sulphate/Cod Liver Oil.
• Chlorophyll supplement, plus Echinacea (in a herbal tea)
• Detox - Redox water filter fitted to remove Chlorine and other chemicals from the water coming into my house, plus a reverse osmosis system to take out anything left for drinking and cooking water. Reduced intake of tea and coffee. Reducing foods and drinks packaged in plastics in case of dioxin contamination (this was really difficult, as it seems almost everything comes in plastic).
• Turmeric capsules - Reported to be good for blood and Platelet issues.
• Apricot Kernels and Kiwi Fruit (as Aspirin replacement).
• The 'Beer Challenge' - A dark beer daily. Undertaken following reports that there may be some benefit to the blood.
• The 'Red wine Challenge' - Variation on the above!

There is no evidence of any form of success with these trials, although my counts have fluctuated and are currently stable, with the rising trend abated.

A spreadsheet has been produced showing the results. Click the following link for my Platelet count chart - The dips cannot be attributed to any trial, this is proven by halting or changing the trial for a period of around three months prior to a blood test, then restarting ready for the next testafter a blood test (my blood is drawn every 3-4 months).
Also to compare the complete set of full blood count results see FBC-ALL or Platelets Vs everything else - FBC results .

Results of my trials can be discussed/commented on, by means of the Forum.

If anyone out there has had any success in combatting this condition, please let me know so that I can pass the word. Contact me

Also my thanks go out to all that have participated in my research, although I need many more participants to establish any trends. The data analysis is regularly updated, so please call back to check progress.

DATA ANALYSIS

THROMBOCYTHAEMIA DISCUSSION FORUM FRAPPER LOCATION MAP

WORK RELATED EXPOSURES

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