When I got my diagnosis in June 2005 my platelet count was 964. I thought "so that's why I've been feeling tired lately" and started to feel very sorry for myself indeed. Then I discovered that my count had been 945 in March 2000, though no-one had noticed at the time. I'd also had a blood test in March 1990, when my count was 415. So some time between 1990 and 2000 my platelet count had passed the 600 threshold and I'd joined the elite group of folk with ET. As this sank in, I realised that between 1990 and 2005 I'd been more physically active than at any other time in my life. Martial arts, long dstance cycling, mountaineering, hillwalking, partying ......plenty of energy! So why did I suddently feel tired when I got my diagnosis? Clearly a figment of my imagination, whch disappeared as soon as I understood my blood history! I then looked a bit deeper and discovered that part of me actually valued having ET. Somehow it seemed useful. Then I realised that it was a signal that I should change my lifestyle. So now I believe that I've got what I need from ET and that my body can let it go and my marrow can just relax ....which it's starting to do. My platelet history since diagnosis can be seen at http://uk.geocities.com/steve_marsden@btopenworld.com/trends.jpg No meds except occasional asprin.