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Male 65 year old farmer with thrombocythemia
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 5, 2023 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I am not a farmer, but I have had gardens up to 10,000 square feet.
I have three cancers: Vocal Chord (remission after radiation), prostate cancer (under control via medicine), and MDS/platelets.
I have had dropping platelet counts for three and a half years. For a while now, my platelet count seems to have stabilized between the high 40s and low 50s.This keeps me in the watch-and-wait stage.
However, my new team-based care folks, because of my low platelet count, have to deal with my Afib because of the conflict between treatment for Afib(blood thinners) and low counts (bleedouts).
So tomorrow, I will undergo the Watchmen procedure, which, if successful, will eventually eliminate the need for blood thinners. As long as my platelet count is stable, I will return to watch and wait.
For my general health, I am active, including gym workouts and weight control. I am 83 years old😀(retired military)🇺🇸
Best wishes to all.
Replies to "Hi. I am not a farmer, but I have had gardens up to 10,000 square feet...."
Thank you to all who have commented on my remarks.
Here is how my Watchman procedure went yesterday.
My procedure didn't go anywhere! The process was supposed to go through the following steps
1. Pass an echocardiogram
2. Pass a CT scan
3. Schedule procedure time and date
4. Do procedure
a. Check to see if there are any blood clots
b.Provide for platelet transfusion if count is below 50
c. anesthesia
d. Insert catheter
e. complete implantation of cap
f. Patient recovery
In my case, I failed step 4a. I had three significant blood clots, which raised the risk of proceeding too high to continue. So I went from step 4a to 4f. The next step for me was to go back on my blood thinner (Eliquis), which was suspended for two days before the procedure. Then, go back to wait and see for two months and reschedule the Watchman procedure to resolve the original problem.
For those interested, you can watch the procedure on YouTube.
I still think The Watchman is a great advance over blood thinners especially if you have a situation like mine.
Best to all 😀
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Welcome to Connect, @barry4! First let me thank you for your service to our country. Which branch of the armed forces?
You’ve certainly had your share of medical excitement so it’s good to hear you’re doing well with your vocal cord and prostrate cancers.
Best wishes tomorrow on your surgery for Afib with the Watchmen. I’ve heard good things about it. It would be nice to no longer need blood thinners!
After reading your comments today I couldn’t help but think of the old Timex watch commercials with John Cameron Swayze….Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. 😅
Will you please let me know how your procedure went?