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Thrombocytopenia and fish oil
Hello, new member here. I have been seeing an oncologist for about 10 years for thrombocytopenia / low platelet count. I've been stable and I'm down to a twice a year huge blood draw and a brief meeting, as my platelet count appears stable. I recently started taking Omega-3 (fish oil) tablets and have noticed my memory has improved significantly. I'm a male age 76.
A relative who is involved in heart surgery recently suggested I should be careful with the omega-3 because it "thins my blood." My research shows that it probably doesn't thin your blood as such but impedes the operation of your platelets, which I really don't need.
Has anyone had experience with a similar situation?
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Welcome to Connect, @steveutnv Having a condition such as thrombocytopenia, where you have a low platelet count that interferes with proper clotting, it’s important to avoid foods and supplements which might further enhance this problem.
This article from Healthgrades.com explores 8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet Count. Below is an excerpt from the article and a link to the entire article for you:
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/blood-conditions/8-things-that-can-increase-your-blood-platelet-count#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20low%20platelet%20count%2C%20it,if%20you’re%20trying%20to%20increase%20your%20platelet%20count.“Vitamin E and Fish oil supplements can be healthy and beneficial for some people. However, compounds in these supplements actually decrease the ability of blood to clot, so you should avoid them if you’re trying to increase your platelet count”
Another article, from verywellhealth.com highlights the beneficial foods and supplements for your condition and also foods to avoid.
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https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-eat-and-avoid-with-itp-5206758
While you’re waiting for other members in the forum to share their experience with thrombocytopenia and possible use of supplements, I thought this might be a good discussion for you to join:
Thrombocytopenia: Not sure of cause or condition
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thrombocytopenia-1/
Are you currently taking any medications or are there certain things your doctor has you avoiding?
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1 ReactionI don't think he has me taking anything for it - just "watchful waiting." He has told me to avoid alcohol.
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1 ReactionJust re-read your post. You say "are you currently taking any medications." Do you mean meds specifically for the thrombocytopenia, or in general? I'm 76 and take about four or five prescriptions.
Good morning, Steve. Yes, my question about meds was only referring to the thrombocytopenia. I was wondering, just because you are so stable with your numbers, if this was all on your own or with medication. 😉
My platelet count is fairly stable at 80 to 90. I had a brain bleed last year (undetermined cause) and my count prior to the surgery draining the blood was 180, but at my biannual appt with the oncologist three months later it had dropped back to 90. Go figure. . .
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2 ReactionsMy platelets are at 57 have been for about 5 yrs. I have liver cirrhosis and issues with spleen and ménière's disease in left ear with Vertigo (yay). No one seems too know why it's 57 🤔
Welcome to Connect, @vicki0063. From my understanding, it can be quite common for patients with cirrhosis of the liver to also have a decrease in platelets.
I found an article that might be helpful for you to read through. It explains the link between liver/spleen damage and low platelet levels.
Thrombocytopenia Due to Liver Cirrhosis
https://www.healthline.com/health/thrombocytopenia-in-cirrhosis
Since you’re new to the forum, you might find this Digestive health support group helpful with the liver issues. Here are just a couple of the many discussions within the group.
Lots of Questions about cirrhosis of the liver:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lots-of-questions-about-cirrhosis-of-the-liver/
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Looking for help with food and drink with Cirrhosis: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-for-help-with-food-and-drink-with-cirrhosis-of-the-liver/
Do you take any medication or have any dietary restrictions with your cirrhosis?