Hematology

[Melrb]

I had to go see a hematologist today because my platelet counts keep rising. Now I have to go get like a full blood work up done on May 1st and go on from there. He said it might just be like bad anemia, or it could be something worse. I'm so worried about cancer. I don't know how to keep myself from worrying until then.

[Titan4757]

Hi Mel. I had a situation similar to yours last year. I was having trouble with my stomach and diarrhea so got tested for ciliac disease. Blood work came back negative but my doc said my hemoglobin white blood cell count was low. Next step was the hematologist. Tested for gene mutations in bone marrow and other mad scientist stuff. I got blood drawn at the hospital sitting next to lovely people going through cancer. It was scary and I felt so much empathy for them but it also let my mind wander and think the worst. I never found an answer and the mutations they tested for and were suspicious of were negative. Keep in mind I was smoking at the time and had been for 15 years. During my own research I found an article about smoking and how it affected white blood cell counts. I quit smoking late 2017 and got a physical this year after quitting for a couple months. Guess what, my white blood cell count had improved! So, hang in there. You're doing the right thing to take care of yourself. If you think the worst it only makes it harder. Imagine your future self who gets the results and goes back in time to see you now. Future self says everything is good and you can relax now. Best of luck!

[Melrb in reply to Titan4757]

Thank you such. I have bad health anxiety to begin with and I'm just worried it's something horrible. I have a one and two year old and that would just break me. And I'm a single mom. I've never smoked in my life but I have been around second hand smoke my whole life. I really hope they figure out what's going on.

[Titan4757 in reply to Melrb]

Me too Mel. Health anxiety is difficult. What helped me the most wasn't the constant doc visits and tests or even them telling me I'm healthy. In reality, I have/had confidence and self esteem issues. I didn't believe in myself and too many negative thoughts and believing the worst was going to happen to me and I didn't deserve a good life. The best advice I can share is go see a doc who specializes in mind body medicine. I'm seeing one now and it's clearing up my symptoms fast. No drugs or difficult tasks. He's helping me retrain the way I think. Most of my symptoms are gone now. I was causing these feelings and letting my brain cause pain in my body. If you like to read then check out this book by Dr Howard Schubiner. He's the doc I'm seeing right now. The book is called, "Unlearn Your Pain." He also has one called, "Unlearn Your Anxiety." I think it may help!

[Melrb in reply to Titan4757]

That sounds awesome. I'll try to give them a read in my spare time. I like that idea because I hate taking medicine...I'm so against it. My doctor just put me on lexapro and I hate it. Before she had me on Wellbutrin and I hated that even more. I was going to try to read up on a more holistic way to go about this because I know my body and I can tell these medicines are messing with it. But thank you.

[kyoom in reply to Titan4757]

Hi Titan,

Can you tell us a little more about your therapy.

Where can i purchase this book.

Is it expensive?

I am a pensioner on limited income ,but will look into purchasing it if you think I could benefit from reading it.

Thank you very much.

Kay.

[Titan4757 in reply to kyoom]

Sure thing, Kay. Dr Schubiner's website is unlearnyourpain.com. Check it out and I hope it helps you. He first makes sure you've had your tests and that you're healthy with no significant illnesses. If you still have pain after docs saying they can't find anything then he helps you. He will show you the connection between your brain and nervous system which causes pain. It makes sense to me and helping. Good luck.

[Lbk64]

Hi Melrb.

I have health anxiety too. Try not to worry about what will be. High platelets can be caused by so many things, some as simple as dehydration. Increase your daily fluid intake, have your blood tested and see what show up. I'd be surprised if there was anything like cancer. I'm not sure cancer increases platelets.

Please let us know how you go.

Kindly, Lee

[Melrb in reply to Lbk64]

Yeah I know it could be a lot of things but I always think the worse. He said go home wait a week till you get your blood taken again and take an asprin every day.

[Lbk64 in reply to Melrb]

I know what you mean. I'm the same. Some things are easier said than done. Ok. Aspirin is OK short term. May I ask what age bracket you are in?

[Melrb in reply to Lbk64]

I'm only 26 years old

[Lbk64 in reply to Melrb]

sorry for late reply. I was at work.

Ok. That is young. Try not to stress. I'm sure if the dr was worried he would have sent you for urgent tests. It will pan out.

I'd like to know how it all goes for you if you wouldn't mind keeping me updated.

[Melrb in reply to Lbk64]

I don't go to get the tests done till Tuesday and I'm worrying myself sick till then. And then it'll take a day to get the results back and I can see when they come back and I know I'm just gonna look at them but then I won't see my doctor till a week after that'.

[Lbk64 in reply to Melrb]

Fingers crossed all will be well. It's not much help I know when health anxiety eats as you. :/