Question

[Morticia]

I’m not understanding anything about any of this – or what is going on with me. I had some blood work done at the doctors. My initial complaints were that I have been EXTREMELY tired, my arms are weak, Yawning constantly,I’m having a very hard time taking deep bresths – can’t get enough of a breath to yawn completely, dizzy, lightheaded etc.

I am a 41 year old woman. The blood tests came back and the doctor called me in to talk. She said my blood work came back and she wants to re-do the tests all over again. The only real, concrete information that she gave me was that my pletelet count was 524 and she “Would like to see that below 400” I asked her what would cause that to happen and she said she isn’t sure yet – but if the new blood tests still come back high – she would like to have me tested for “pre-leukemia” and then said “But I don’t want to go there yet” So….I had the blood drawn again yesterday afternoon and she is supposed to call me in 3-5 days and if I don’t hear from her….I have an appointment with her again on March 5th.

That is ALL the information I have. Does anyone know what else would cause my pletelets to be at 524 and my present symptoms???? And YES….I realize that no one can probably offer much help/advice if THAT is the only information that I have – I am just trying to gather some information in the even that I need to be “prepared” for a diagnosis in the near future.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Morticia

[Zoe]

Morticia,

Welcome to the forum. Did the doctor say anything at all about your other blood counts? I always ask for a copy, they always oblige me. One form of MDS will cause high platelets (although they are generally not a concern) is 5q-. It tends to be a more mild type of MDS, unless it is combined with other chromosome abnormalities. Your symptoms could be caused by anemia. Did he mention that at all?

My platelets run high also. They are not that high right now, but they have been. I had no problems.

I would encourage you to get copies of your blood work and keep asking questions.

Zoe

[Jack_dup1]

Morticia,
I agree with Zoe, I had a blood test this morning and had a hard copy for myself 10 minutes later.
I can’t answer your main question. If it were me, I would want to know what my oxygen % is and get my lungs checked out, I have had some of the symptoms you mentioned, I did have a still undiagnosed problems with my lungs, they treated it with steroids and I was fine in a few days. There are several things that can result in some of the symptoms you have. If they find that you are anemic that could explain it, I would assume that they looked at your red blood cells when you had your last blood work done. Although I find that you cannot assume anything when it comes to your medical care.
We are all so different when it comes to symptoms. It is a scary thing and one tends to think the worse, at least I do, but on the other hand I am usually pleasantly surprised. I was given 10-60 months survival with a median of 20 months. It has now been 58 months and I plan on being around for a while. Wish I could be more help.
Think positive thoughts, I have spent a lot of time on needless worry.
Jack

[Neil]

Hi Morticia,
There are a couple points in your message that need more clarification.
Waiting till March 5 is a long time. As Jack pointed out CBC results are available in 10 minutes. Why wait 10 days.
If your Red Cell counts are low it could explain your fatigue. Not enough oxygen getting to your cells.
If your other counts are not normal and they tend to suggest a disease like MDS you should be seeing a hematologist and or oncologist. The doc you are seeing now is over her head. It is possible you will need a bone marrow biopsy to confirm what the problem is.
In any event you should probably call the doc and if your counts are abnormal have her refer you to a specialist rather than wait til 3/5

[Author]

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