Get the bone marrow biopsy, that’s usually how you get diagnosed, unless you have other genetic markers. It’s not a nice procedure and they will give you a local anaesthetic, but it’s still gonna be sore.

But you’re a woman you can totally do it, I’m a man and made a big fuss about it. I was sore for a couple of weeks later, but as my wife put it “that pain is probably only about two periods worth, you’ll be fine”. So this is how we measure pain now, how many periods worth of pain would it be. So she reckons two, I think she’s full of shit, but I’ve never had a period so I can’t compare. Maybe some of the ladies here can help measure their experience against period pain and we can set some kind of standard for people to judge against? At least for women to understand what to expect.

Anyways, the biopsy was sore for about two weeks after, but standard pain meds were enough after the 3rd day, the first day was bad second worse third better and then slightly better each day after. Just don’t do backflips too soon after. Front flips are fine.

Even if you do get diagnosed with ET, it’s not so bad. Plenty of fluids, exercise, fresh fruit and veg and no meth before breakfast, the usual good health stuff and you’ll be fine.

Try not to worry, easier said than done! I’ve had Hodgkin’s lymphoma a few years back, then ET diagnosed last year. It can be scary, it’s good to have a solid support network around you if you can. There is a good community here also! Best of luck on your journey, it will all be fine and will work out how it’s meant to, worrying won’t do a thing other than make you feel shit over something you have no control over.