Roderick
I am 67 now and was diagnosed with MDS in 2013 based on a bone marrow biopsy. When I learned of my disease I decided to go back to my annual physicals and found a complete blood count done in November 1991. My counts were low then. My doctor at the time brought the low counts to my attention and attributed them to possibly my training for marathons. He did not order follow-up monitoring or a biopsy at that time. My next complete blood count wasn’t until 1998 with a different family doctor. My counts were only slightly higher then but still borderline. From 1998 onward I’ve had a complete blood count nearly every year and have remained on the low end. It wasn’t until 2013 that my doctor decided to refer me to a hematologist who ordered a biopsy. My counts have changed very little over the last 29 years. In 1991 my counts were as follows: platelets 134, RBC 3.9, WBC 4.0, and hemoglobin 12.8. I am basically at these same levels now. I am in wait and see mode and continue to lead a very active lifestyle. I’ve been able to bike 4,300 miles across America, bike around the Netherlands, exercise 3-4 hours per day, and continue my passion of long track ice speed skating. I know I’m one of the lucky ones with this disease and feel for those who have not been able to lead a near normal life. It’s possible I’ve had MDS-unclassified for 30 years. During that time period I have not noticed unusual bleeding, higher than normal infections, or tiredness. My goal each day is to stay in good health through strict diet and exercise, and try to keep my immune system strong.
TAM
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