Any correlation between Essential Thrombocythemia & high B12?

Posted by annetterzam @annetterzam, Jun 24, 2023

I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia in December 2022. My platelets have been kept under control with 500 mgs of Hydroxyurea 3 x a week. A recent blood test shows abnormally high B12 levels. Anything over 900 is concerned high. My level is 7,500. This level scares me. Everything that I have read on the Internet is not good. Of course I will find out more when I see my Primary Doctor and my Oncology Hematologist. I'm anxiously awaiting for answers.

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@annetterzam

Actually I never said anything about natural approaches or not taking HU. I've been on it without side effects. I was asking about high B12 levels in my blood.

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Oh. I have no idea about B12… need to have next round of tests in August.

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@annetterzam

Actually I never said anything about natural approaches or not taking HU. I've been on it without side effects. I was asking about high B12 levels in my blood.

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Hi @annetterzam My reply about natural approaches was for @bch who had mentioned that they were following another member to learn more about natural approaches to treat ET/PV. She had also commented earlier about side effects from meds so I just combined the two replies.

I realize some of the comments get a little off topic from your original posting, as they usually do in conversations. It can help to take a peek at the top of the comment where it will give the @name of the person for whom the reply was directed. ☺️
Did you ever find a good answer to your B-12 levels and the concern about them being so high?

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@loribmt

Hi @annetterzam My reply about natural approaches was for @bch who had mentioned that they were following another member to learn more about natural approaches to treat ET/PV. She had also commented earlier about side effects from meds so I just combined the two replies.

I realize some of the comments get a little off topic from your original posting, as they usually do in conversations. It can help to take a peek at the top of the comment where it will give the @name of the person for whom the reply was directed. ☺️
Did you ever find a good answer to your B-12 levels and the concern about them being so high?

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The Hematologist isn't concerned, as my other bloodwork looks good. She also said that many people with ET have high B12 levels.

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@nana39

Anyone have eosinophilia thrombocytopenia?

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How to raise platelets.?

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@nana39

How to raise platelets.?

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Hi @nana39 I know you’re so concerned about your health changes and some of your blood numbers are not in the normal ranges of standard lab tests. Low platelets can happen for a number of reasons including fighting infections, inflammation, etc., or sometimes the bone marrow is not able to churn out healthy blood cells/platelets for some reason.
There are foods which can potentially help increase platelets as essential parts of a healthy diet. But if there is an underlying medical reason for the decrease in platelets, diet alone won’t be adequate in returning them to a normal level.

I did find a good article for you to read about foods high in folate and vitamins B9, C, D, and K, which may promote platelet generation.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322937#foods-to-eat
Finding the cause of your higher eosinophils and lower platelets would be my best suggestion. Have you made an appointment yet with a hematologist?

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Thank for this. It’s an excellent article and I learned a lot.
My GP wants a repeat CBC this week and she will then make an appointment with a hematologist.
I already take Folic Acid, vit B12, and other vitamins but don’t take VitK.
My diet is good and I like green vegetables.
The bruises that I noticed from March have gone away and not returned.
I’m 84 and apart from feeling tired occasionally keep well.

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Platelets normally have B12 markers on their cell membranes. I am not sure if B12 promotes platelet production though. I do know that patients with ET are discouraged from taking B12.

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Platelets have B12 markers on their cell membranes. So if your platelet count is high your B12 levels will also be high. If they are just markers there should be no concern but since Drs tell patients with ET to avoid taking B12, it must be because B12 stimulates platelet production. I would ask your dr what is the reason for avoiding B12, B12 is a water soluble vitamin too so it should not be toxic to the body.

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@jroyer

Aloha, I have been prescribed 500mg everyday of Hydroxyurea to reduce my platelets. I am holding off on taking these pills because one of the warnings is so stay out of the sun. Another possible side effect is that one's skin can turn dark. #1. I find it difficult to stay out of the sun. I live in paradise for a reason--I love the sun, so I'll be talking to my doctor about this tomorrow. #2. I have seen the shocking effects of skin turning dark. Does anyone have experience with either of these issues/conditions? ALSO I'd prefer a more naturopathic path--so any input on that will be appreciated. Mahalo~

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There is no way to lower a platelet count through natural means. The reason high platelets are a concern is because they can clot and cause a stroke. Therefore ET patients should always try to keep their platelets from sticking which is why a daily baby aspirin is usually advised. I believe in keeping the blood thin with proteolytic enzymes and herbs that thin the blood. There are many like garlic which is one. You definitely want to prevent the platelets from sticking. The platelet number becomes significant with age as the blood vessels can become stiffer. Look into l- arginine an amino acid that promotes nitric acid at the capillary level which in turn boosts circulation on an empty stomach. (This will actually lower blood pressure too) arginine should be taken with lysine as the two compete with each other. So you don’t want to be deficient in one by taking more of the other. I also like proteolyic enzymes like Neprinol on an empty stomach to clean up the fibrin in the blood.

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@uptowngirl

Platelets normally have B12 markers on their cell membranes. I am not sure if B12 promotes platelet production though. I do know that patients with ET are discouraged from taking B12.

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That is interesting! I didn't know that taking Vitamin B12 was discouraged. Thanks for the info 👍 😀

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