Dear Donnad625, I am so sorry you are alone on Christmas eve,Yes I know how scary this disorder can be I have been taking hydroxyurea for just 3 weeks now no side effect's really,just tired alot ,an my number's have came down to the 473 range from over a million, I was diagnosed in oct, had plehbotomies, and have to take an asprin and hydrea,everyday,only to find out that I am now pregnant on top of this and have to switch to inferion injection's it's safer for the baby, any way's tell me about yourself, are you on any meds right now, I will try to answer any question's you may have if I can I am new at this also, so glad to help anytime, LaDonna Parker