Hello all ….
Hope everyone is managing well …
I just wanted to ask … is a swollen belly ( for usually a few days weekly ) a symptom of Essential thrombocythemia (ET) ?
I have been diagnosed with Et snd Jak 2 … but just wondered if swelling is connected …Thankyou…Shishabell …`
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Hi @shishabell, hope you’re doing okay. Some people with ET have an enlarged spleen, which might be one possible reason you’re experiencing this. It’s really important you make your clinical team aware of what you’re experiencing so that they can investigate the reason for the swelling. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on the support line if you’d find it helpful to chat things through.
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Hi @shishabell I think @Alice_BloodCancerUK has said it all.
Please do let us know what someone on your medical team says about your swollen belly, I think it is so important to check things out as my mind races in all directions when I do not know.
Look after yourself @shishabell and please keep posting, I look forward to hearing more about you.
Thankyou so much for your advice … I shall inform my team and hear their views … get back to you … thanks again … Shishabell 
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Hi @shishabell , I know your post was a while ago so you may not see this. I hope you are doing ok now. I just wondered what the outcome was with the swelling. My mum is currently experiencing the same. Thank you.
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Hello … It’s been a while since I’ve been on this site mainly for a few reasons but anxiety is a big problem for me & denial of my condition (Et)…I’m determined to face up this time to my situation …to get back to my swollen belly usually a couple of days a week … I’ve been examined & my dr says they can find no reason as to why this happens ?perhaps ibs that’s it …so happy to have friends I can talk to who understand… thankyou all …
Shisha…
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Hey there @shishabell, welcome back! I know what you mean about anxiety, I’m sorry you experience it as well. I think anxiety is pretty common when you live with these MPNs and other ‘invisible’ blood cancers. It may not be so noticeable on the outside but we certainly feel it internally.
I was diagnosed with Polycythaemia vera (PV) which you likely know is related to Essential thrombocythemia (ET). As it’s chronic and doesn’t currently have a cure it feels like there’s always the potential for it to suddenly do its thing, so no wonder there’s anxiety! I’m practicing trying to let go off the anxious “what ifs” and focus more on the here and now. Easier said than done though.
Although I’m not a doctor I’d suggest telling your haematologist about the swelling, if you haven’t already. It could be inflammation or other IBS symptoms like the doctor said. Folks with MPNs sometimes have our spleens start producing blood which increases their size and can cause discomfort, so it’s worth ruling that out.
Keep us posted, @shishabell! I hope your anxiety and swelling decrease.
Great to hear from you again @shishabell and I am so sorry to hear about your anxiety and denial.
Your swollen tummy, usually a couple days a week, which your GP cannot seem to exactly diagnose, I would not think is helping your anxiety either.
I found I needed some talking therapy after I was diagnosed as I am a great one for both denial and anxiety and I think my emotions have been on high alert since I was diagnosed 20 yrs ago.
I am so glad you have friends that you can talk to, they are priceless.
Perhaps talk to your haematologist about your swelling and please do let us know what they say.
Look after and be kind yourself anxiety and denial are processes.
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