Mark,
Welcome! This is a great forum with lots of nice people! Sorry you need to be among us, but I'm glad you found us! I was certainly so glad to have stumbled across this forum myself.
It was interesting to read about your experiences. I was a bit surprised when I saw that you were symptom free and only 41, yet your doctor chose to put you on medication right away -- especially with your platelets in the 800,000 range -- but I realize we all have different situations that have to be treated differently...
What country do you live in? I'm in the Southeastern part of the USA (Georgia). Typically the hematologists here don't seem to suggest medication (other than aspirin) unless platelets go up to the 1,500,000 range -- unless the patient is over 60... My platelets have been running in the 800,000+ range the past few months -- 875,000 at last count. My hematologist has suggested aspirin, but I have stomach issues and have hesitated to take aspirin on a daily basis. I do take a baby aspirin occasionally. I take nutritional supplements that should, hopefully, make my blood less likely to clot easily. (I have tested positive for JAK2.)
Please keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Best Wishes!
Sharon