Back in November 2013, I was put on Meloxicam 15mg for arthritis in my lower back. Then in March, 2014 my bloodwork for my regular checkup every year came back with a high platelet count and I was sent to a hematologist and it was still high and he put me on the chemo drug Hydroxyurea. From what I have been reading about the drug, essential thrombocythemia can be caused by inflammation in the body (arthritis). Is there any connection between the two?

Summarized question: Can thrombocythemia be caused due to inflammation in the body?