JAC2 Blood Work - Page 3

Tabbycat · ‎03-09-2010

@Justice4all... I eat heathy "real food". Rarely eat out. Now and then I cheat, but have to reward myself sometimes...lol. Not a good sleeper, never have been.

2 years ago after my CT scan, I did see an orthopedic/spinal specialist. I really wasnt that impressed to be honest. She seemed uninterested and gave me 2 choices.... a shot in the spine or PT. I chose PT and that was ordered for just 3 weeks.

I go the natural route whenever possible. I understand that will probably need to change as I age.I do chiropractic and massage therapy because I'm sensitive to a lot of medications. I only take 3 Rx.

On a high note; It looks like I've been assigned another oncologist/hematoligist and have and appointment mid July. Again, I was messaged from The Chart. I really don't understand why they don't just call. They must have staffing problems over there.

I'm not stressing. I've given it to the Lord, He knows best.

Thank you for caring @Justice4all Hugs

Still Tabbycat ~~ Less is More ~~

Justice4all · ‎12-22-2013

@Tabbycat

Massage....now there's a treat!

Swimming is always great.....always look for the best orthopedic doctors/surgeons...as you know, it makes all the difference...

let me know what is happening....

Love, Justice

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
I'm a retired lab specialist. I have performed many lab tests, especially hematoligical. I can't give you any answers as to why your PLT ct is going up. Looking at just that count can be misleading without knowing what the other parameters are and a medical history. These things should be discussed with your doctor. One question I have is why the lab performed a manual PLT ct...? There must have been some reason for that.

Platelets are hard to count. They are small and can sometimes clump which will throw off the count. Sometimes platelets are not all the same size and this makes automated counts inaccurate so then a manual count is usually done when that is seen. Inspection of the platelets under a microscope is another way to determine abnormality of the structure of platelets. It's a lot more complicated than most people realize.

@SilleeMee

Because this happened to me, I can tell you why. I was sent to the E.R. at the hospital where I worked, because I almost fainted and ended up being there the entire day. I began wondering what in the heck was going on, when the Attending, who I knew, walked up to me, looking very serious, and said, "We've kept you here all this time and kept repeating the labs just to make sure the results were correct. I need you to get in touch with your PCP to obtain a referral to a Hematologist/Oncologist, due to our diagnosis of polycythemia."

Fast forward to my first appointment with my new Hematologist. (1) He called the E.R. at the hospital where I work to find out how their lab determines platelet count. Answer: Laser Counter; (2) My Hematologist went on to tell me that certain brands of Platelet Laser Counters are notoriously inacurate; (3) He got on the intercom in his office and asked one of his lab people to draw 7-8 tubes of blood. I was to remain in the exam room while my blood was processed, as the practice has its own big lab; (4) After about 40 minutes the Hematologist returned to the exam room, as he had completed time with other patients; (5) 5-10 minutes later, his lead lab person came in and told him they couldn't get a read on my platelets. He talked to her about this and ended up leaving the exam room with her, telling me he was going to do a read himself; (6) Many, many minutes later my Hematologist returned, indicating that his most sophisticated platelet reading equipment was unable to read my platelets, so he had to manually read them. His conclusion was that, no, I did not have polycythemia. The reason why the E.R.'s lab thought I did was that their laser platelet reader cannot account for any platelet irregularity - whatsoever. My bottom line was that I was diagnosed with "Clumping Platelets." This means that once they're out of my body, my platelets clump in little bunches and regardless of whether my blood is placed in a citric acid or whatever tube, it will clump; (7) Hematologist told me he had only 6 other patients with this condition and that my chart will always be up front and available, should I be in an accident, etc.. He also gave me 2 of his business cards: one for me and one for my husband, indicating that in time of emergency, as in an accident, his office should be contacted regarding the fact that the receiving hospital will not get a platelet read, etc.

Justice4all · ‎12-22-2013

@Tabbycat

How are you?

Tabbycat · ‎03-09-2010

Hi @Justice4all .... you are such a sweetie for checking on me, Thank You!

You remind me that there are many kind and caring posters still here.

I'm ok, except I feel tired all the time. It's probably just part of getting older.

Been biding time until my next set of labs are due. May 21 was the last time my blood was checked. I go back the second week in July for labs. They have 6 things ordered, 5 regarding the blood and a lateral chest x-ray. The following week I go back for results and to see my new hematologist/oncologist.

God bless you and I hope you have a memorable 4th Of July as we count our blessings and appreciate our freedoms.

Still Tabbycat ~~ Less is More ~~

Justice4all · ‎12-22-2013

@Tabbycat

I am glad to hear from you...I'm counting my blessings too...I looked up foods that decrease platelet count or aid in their function, but don't know how to post sites here. They include pomegranate, salicylates that help thin the blood like cucumber, radish, zucchini, mushrooms- particularly ******ake, alfalfa, cherries, berries, raisins, oranges...raw garlic,...omega-3 fish, cinnamon, coffee.

Enjoy the 4th and keep me posted! Rest, exercise by walking or swimming, etc. and take it easy-don't do anything risky where you might fall, or strain by lifting things too heavy!

Love, Justice

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
I'm a retired lab specialist. I have performed many lab tests, especially hematoligical. I can't give you any answers as to why your PLT ct is going up. Looking at just that count can be misleading without knowing what the other parameters are and a medical history. These things should be discussed with your doctor. One question I have is why the lab performed a manual PLT ct...? There must have been some reason for that.

Platelets are hard to count. They are small and can sometimes clump which will throw off the count. Sometimes platelets are not all the same size and this makes automated counts inaccurate so then a manual count is usually done when that is seen. Inspection of the platelets under a microscope is another way to determine abnormality of the structure of platelets. It's a lot more complicated than most people realize.

@SilleeMee

I can give you one reason.

Went to the ER at work because I nearly passed out. Ended up being there for 7 hours. Why? They kept repeating my platelets, but I didn't know it was just my platelets. After 7 hours, the ER Attending walks up to me with a very, very serious look on his face and told me the reason they felt compelled to keep me and re-run labs all day was due to my platelet count. He then told me that he had diagnosed a rather rare blood disease and that I should seek a referral to a Hem-Onc doc asap. I did so. Bottom Line: My Hematologist spoke with the ER doc. At the ER, they have a laser platelete counter, which my hematologist told me can be challenging, when the patient doesn't have perfect platelets. Then my hematologist had one of his techs draw 7 tubes. She came back 30 minutes later, along with the hematologist. He told me that my blood/platelets were giving them a pain in the neck-he smiled and said this can happen. Even his best tech could not read my platelets. So...my hematologist excused himself and was away for another 20 minutes.

DX: "Tube Blood." It's rare. This means that when my blood leaves my body, my platelets clump, badly, even when placed in citric acid or whatever type of tube to prevent clumping. Further, he told me that in the 25 years he and his brother have been in practice, they have only 6 pts with "Tube Blood," so I must carry one of his business cards and my husband must as well, in case I should find myself in a trauma situation, because the E.D. staff will not get a read from their automated equipment. Plus, everytime I am sent to a lab for draws, I must tell them I'm a "Clumper."

Tabbycat · ‎03-09-2010

@sfnative... I'm happy the doctors finally figured out your platelet problem.

I'll sure be glad to find out what's going on with mine. Hoping my new doctor will be more interested than the original one was. I just keep in the back of my mind what @RedTop said about her aquaintaince. Doctors never could figure out why he had high platelets and so he donates every so often.

I mentioned to the nurse one day on the phone that maybe I would make a donation and she told me to hold off on that. So, I wait patiently till my appointment to rolls around.

Still Tabbycat ~~ Less is More ~~

Tabbycat · ‎03-09-2010

Hi @Justice4all .. I didn't think about searching for foods to help lower platelets, but it so happens that I actually do eat several of the ones you listed. Most every evening I have a what I call my "garbage salad" with my meal. I make my own vinegrette and toss in all sorts of nuts seeds fruits and veggies in there. I'll grab a bunch of radishes when I go shopping.

I'm not doing anything too heavy duty. Just the stretches my medical massage guy and chiro gave me. It's been to hot lately here in NC to walk, but until it cools off, I've been doing my little under desk exercise bike.

Hugs, Tabby

Still Tabbycat ~~ Less is More ~~

Justice4all · ‎12-22-2013

Hi @Tabbycat,

Don't sit too much! Keep hydrated-dehydration will thicken the blood. I'd like to have your vinaigrette recipe. I stopped making dressing because I always get it on my clothes..Hot here too...let's share 4th of July stories.

Love, Justice