topic Re: Platelets in Wellness

Platelets

gloriajean — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:45:36 GMT

Does anyone know anything about platelets? We found out that my husband's platelets are very low, and he had a bone marrow biopsy to check that out. He'll find out the first part of Jan. about the results of that biopsy. Seems like his shortness of breath was caused by fluid in his body so was put on water pills, and that has helped his breathing.

Re: Platelets

D Kay — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:49:53 GMT

Go to WebMD or Mayo Clinic website and search low platelets.

Re: Platelets

RedTop — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:23:33 GMT

Based on my regular blood donations, I became a platelet donor as well for several years. I am in southern WV, and my platelets were sent to various hospitals in VA, OH, and PA. Cancer and burn patients are usually the recipients of platelet donations.

I traveled over 90 miles round trip to the Red Cross donor center to make my monthly donation, which took 2 hrs from start to finish.

Platelet donation is similar to a blood donation, but the blood that flows out of one arm runs thru a machine that separates the platelets into a small bag, and returns the blood thru a large needle in the other arm. That small bag of pearl colored liquid is processed within hours, transported to where it is needed, and used promptly due to short shelf life.

After years of these donations, I developed nerve damage from the large bore needles, and per my Dr., had to stop donating to let those nerves heal. After 5+ years, my nerve damage appears to be permanent, so I am limited to blood donations.

Re: Platelets

SilleeMee — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:30:21 GMT

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) has many causes. The discussion about that condition should be one with your doctor.

Re: Platelets

Another new name Sue — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:44:42 GMT

@RedTop You are awesome, you saved lives! I hope the nerve damage isn't too troubling.

Re: Platelets

Snoopp — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:48:43 GMT

The results of the biopsy should determine if it is ITP. I can’t speak to the other symptoms, but platelets can go quite low with no outward symptoms. When there are symptoms, many times it’s unexplained bruising on the body or inside the mouth.

Re: Platelets

msgb — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 02:27:05 GMT

Unfortunately I know a bit too much about platelets.

I had a larged DVT (a number of yrs ago) and was put on blood thinners--that causes platelets to go down low because of being on blood thinners. Platelets help with too much bleeding and help you when you need to develop a scab. My sister also went thru stage 4 cancer in 2001 and my husband donated platelets to her during that time. It is a long about two hour process for that. Almost anyone can be a platelet donor --it is not necessary to have matching blood type. But there are some medications and supplements that if on you should not and can not donate platelets.

They platelets are important as they help in stopping excess bleeding and hemorraging.There is more information that you need to talk to your doctor regarding this.

I hope all turns out well.

Re: Platelets

Love my grandkids — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 02:17:46 GMT

I learned a ton about platelets when I had cancer. Very interesting. Fortunately my platelets always stayed in the 'safe" range.

Re: Platelets

SilleeMee — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 03:00:30 GMT

I'm a retired medical lab specialist of hematology and chemistry. I know about platelets, bone marrow and the donation process.

Re: Platelets

PamfromCT — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 03:27:24 GMT

@gloriajean, I will be thinking of you and your husband, hoping for positive news about this issue. Sending you my best wishes.

Re: Platelets

hckynutjohn — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 07:00:15 GMT

@gloriajean wrote:
Does anyone know anything about platelets? We found out that my husband's platelets are very low, and he had a bone marrow biopsy to check that out. He'll find out the first part of Jan. about the results of that biopsy. Seems like his shortness of breath was caused by fluid in his body so was put on water pills, and that has helped his breathing.

@gloriajean

The Red Cross was always calling my wife for her blood type, and Platelets. I know she belonged to the "Gallon Club" in the Red Cross, not sure of how many.

Is your husband also suffering from some type of a Cardiovascular issue? I know from my own experience with CHF, that if your heart isn't pumping strong enough, fluid can build up in your body.

Hope things go well for him. You take good care also.

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Platelets

honeybeagle — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:58:40 GMT

My granddaughter has low platelets. She has been diagnosed with ITP. She is on a medication called Promacta. It took a year to get approved by her insurance dute to the cost. She has had several IVIG "s , they take about 6 hours and it raises her platelt count and she feel better after. God's blessings over you.

Re: Platelets

Hoovermom — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:34:35 GMT

I also have ITP but thankfully require no infusion. My levels were down to 27 not a typo, yes that low when they should be at least 250,000. Mine came about after intense bruising and high headed along with red blotches on the lower part of my legs. Long story short spent days in the hospital while getting my levels back up and finally given the all clear from all the speculation of what disease I had.

Re: Platelets

gloriajean — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 22:30:09 GMT

Yesterday his hematology appt. went well. His dr. confirmed his bone marrow is working as it should. He feels it is immune related. Once his body can get rid of whatever virus he has in him his numbers will improve. Due to his age (83) he'll always be low. But hopefully closer to 100. His platelets wre 59, 2 weeks ago they were 24. His doc was not concerned. No more tests or medications and just follow up with labs in 3 months.

Re: Platelets

RedTop — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 23:35:26 GMT

@gloriajean

Sounds like encouraging news for your husband! Best wishes for his continued improvement.