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@darlas1967

Hi Lori I just thought I’d let you know that we saw his pcp yesterday. He had a follow up
Scheduled for his hand injury so I made sure he new ahead of time that I had some questions about his blood work etc. he addressed the hand issue and then ask about my questions and I told him I was concerned about his blood counts being low for so long and my discovery of these blood disorders and what we needed to do if anything as far as preventatives etc. He said yes his blood levels did drop more than usual Do to his hand injury but came back up to what is basicly
His new normal. He said even though the blood work is low that’s to be expected with the cirrhosis ( his health issues). But they have been stable for quite some time. Should anything change he would most defiantly be in touch with a plan. So I guess low wbc,rbc,hemoglobin,hemocrit, and platelets are normal for someone with his health issues. He didn’t seem concerned nor did he go into detail about anything else. I don’t know if that’s normal or not. I guess I just think that there should be preventative things like taking certain vitamins, eating more of certain foods than others. But this is the stuff I was reading back when I was googling for Information on these disorders. I don’t want to seem like I’m looking for problems or that I’m over reacting but does this sound correct to you? Any input would be greatly
Appreciated. Do you
Think we should just enjoy
Life and not be concerned unless something changes and requires us to react then?

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Replies to "Hi Lori I just thought I’d let you know that we saw his pcp yesterday. He..."

Also I have gone back through his files I’m not finding the aplastic anemia just chronic anemia, Pancytopenia, and Thrombcytopenia with the cirrhosis, hepatitis, and esophagus varies at one time with the past epistaxis and the hematemesis (in the past) and of course the continued low blood counts.

Good morning, Darla! My first comment just has to be a reply to your last sentence, “ Do you
think we should just enjoy life and not be concerned unless something changes and requires us to react then?”
A resounding YES!
That is my philosophy in life not to dwell on ‘what ifs’ because those are time and energy drains…they create unnecessary stress. If/Then is a better way to live. 🙃

Your partner had some good news yesterday that there is nothing more amiss with his bloodwork at this time. His Cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis have an impact on his health and immune system but it looks like there is nothing new happening. So yes, I’d say at this point, with his doctor’s clearance to just keep on enjoying life to the fullest. Each day we’re not pushing up daisies from the other side is a gift. ☺️

You are definitely not overreacting in being proactive and concerned for your partner’s health! Knowledge is power and we always have to be advocates for ourselves and our loved ones. Your ideas of following through with good nutrition and healthy life style are excellent. I found a really good article on the NASH diet for people with Fatty Liver disease. It will be perfect for your friend as well. At least this will get you started in the right direction. He may also benefit from a visit with a dietitian. Often the family doctor can have that appointment set up.
But you don’t have to do all of these changes at once. Baby steps will keep it from feeling daunting.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/nash-patients-add-these-foods-to-your-diet/?pg=3#comment-598915
Mayo Clinic’s information on cirrhosis might also be helpful for you too if you haven’t already seen this. Make sure you read to the bottom of each page where a large arrow directs you to the next page. It describes the disease process, diagnosis and treatment, diet, etc. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487

Now that you know his blood counts are chronically low, as I mentioned in a previous post, he will need to be more cautious to avoid getting ill from Covid and the flu. He may have a longer recovery time with illnesses and also more susceptible to infections. Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizers are a good first line of defense. He can benefit from wearing a mask in public gatherings especially during flu season. (And Covid is still with us).
With his platelets low, no knife jugging. 🙃

You’re doing great, Darla and being a wonderful life partner. But also remember to take care of yourself through all of this. What are some of your joys in life?