Platelets Question

[Luke and Margaret]

I’ve never been concerned about my husband’s platelets as it didn’t seem to be associated with any kind of symptom. However, lately they have been climbing steadily. After a transfusion they dropped to the 60’s and 70’s, now are at 359. I have no idea if that is good or bad!

I need an education here….. what is a “normal” range? What symptoms are attached to low or high platelets? Is there anything “natural” that can be done to stabilize platelt levels?

Thanks
Margaret

[shirlsgirl]

Hi Margaret,

The normal range for platelets is 150-400 but it can vary slightly depending on the demographics. Luke’s in the normal range , that’s awesome! When my mom was first diagnosed she was put on cyclosporin which raised her platelets above 500 and the doctor was not too concerned.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/thrombocytosis.htm

Take care,

Jody

[patti]

Margaret,

Normal platelet levels are between 250K and 400K. I’d say Luke’s are looking good! Low platelets will cause bleeding. For my MIL she starts having symptoms of bleeding around 12,000 platelets. She’s realllllyyyy low. I believe if platelets get too high they can cause some clotting but it doesn’t seem that Luke is in that range. I’ve not heard of high platelets associated with MDS as of yet. I’m guessing Neil would know?

Best wishes,

patti

[Neil]

Hi Margaret,
If you go to my posts of June 22 and july 13 you may get some platelet insight.
Click on search, my member number number is 9.
It will bring up all of my posts. Scroll to the above dates

[Luke and Margaret]

Hi all;
Thanks so much for your replies. Neil, I found your posts. I had read them before so knew that low platelets were related to bleeding, but had no idea what high platelets do.

Luke developed a deep vein thromobosis right around the time of his CMML diagnosis; he is currently on warfarin, and his INR levels have been a bit lower than they usually are.

I’ve been adding a bit more leafy greens to his diet, and vitamin K affects warfarin. He has also been taking fish oil for the heart, so that may also affect clotting. I’ll need to look that up.

If platelets are associated with clotting, and warfarin reduces clotting, and his numbers are climbing, it would all make sense. This is starting to sound like an algebra exam question… If Mary walks seven miles…. ARRRGH!
Margaret

[patti]

And kids complain they’ll never use algebra in real life….. ah.

patti

[Author]

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