Well, after 10 years I'm finally on Hydrea. I had to go in for sugery last week (to have my gallbladder removed) so I had plateletpheresis to lower my counts enough for surgery. My hem/onc decided it would be best to start Hydrea in an effort to keep my counts low while I recover. I'm assuming it's to prevent blood clots? When they placed my port for pheresis, they had to remove it and put in a new one the next day because my blood clotted so much it blocked the port completely. My blood was as thick as pudding when they drew back on the first line. I've been taking 2000mg a day for two weeks now but my counts have already gone back up to 777. I was just told to increase to 3000mg a day and I'm also on injections of a blood thinner. So far the only side effects I've encountered are losing a little hair and some constipation, which I'm told is to be expected. As of now my doctor thinks I'll be on meds temporarily but it's making me nervous when every time I go in to have my blood drawn, my dose is increased. I thought I'd have a little soreness for a few weeks then it would all be over, but I guess not!