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Persistently Elevated Platelets Fluctuating
I have had elevated platelets for over 2 years. I have seen 2 specialists and gone through many tests. Nothing has been found. They suspect it’s a response to something, but no one can say what. I’ve been to so many different types of doctors and everything they test is normal except the platelets and severe back pain. The platelets never go back to normal or above a million, but they do fluctuate. Does anyone else deal with this?
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@annasw, any update?
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1 ReactionMy doctor is a hematologist.
The doctor wants me to have bone marrow biopsy. I’m a bit unclear what happens if it shows that there is a problem. Is it just an info gathering thing but it is still just annual monitoring?
That is a good question to ask your hematologist, @annasw. This article from Mayo Clinic explains things well, including:
Why a bone marrow biopsy is done
How to prepare
What to expect
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-biopsy/about/pac-20393117
My platelets have steadily increased over the last 4-5 years. Always a little high resulting in a stroke 5 years ago. Platlets then in the 500’s. I have been on a full dose aspirin sinc then , but now seeing oncologist for platelets in the 900’s. I got prescribed 1000 mg hydroxyurea daily for now . Monthly bloodwork. 63 years old. I did test positive for Jak 2 mutation
Did you ever get tested for celiac disease? I have high, fluctuating platelets like you along with anemia and celiac disease. The high platelets were found during a routine annual checkup about six months ago. My platelet count was over one million, but has been controlled, albeit erratically since I started taking Hydroxyurea (Hydrea). Are you taking Hydrea? I get my blood tested weekly and my platelet count has bounced between 450K to 900K.
Early on I took iron pills to try to alleviate the anemia, but my platelet count skyrocketed, so at my oncologists advice I stopped taking them. She indicated that it may be safe to take iron pills if I can get my platelet count closer to 400K. I'm hoping that switching to a gluten free diet may increase my iron absorption and possibly moderate my platelet production.
That is so interesting, I actually convinced myself it was celiac but I had endoscopy and they said I dont. I didn’t know iron could boost the platelets, I run low on that too. I take no medicine at this time.
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1 ReactionMy platelets have stayed around 90 for a few years now. Only went down in the 40,s following getting my Covid booster but then back up to 90. I also have MGUS