Low platelets increased PT bloods and 'burning mouth syndrome' treatment.

[AnxiousPete]

Recent bloods show platelets down to 88 from 92 just 6 weekes earlier and my PT time has also increased. Recent 6 month US was ok but a polyp found on gallbladder that my Hepatologist will 'keep an eye on' at my next 6 month scan. Since cirrhosis diagnosis on Jan 31st 2023 I have had no alcohol and weight is reducing -34kg since peak in lockdown and 19kg since start of this year. I am well compensated but I have developed dry / burning mouth which is likely to be 'Burning Mouth Syndrome' I don't see my consultant until December but sent some questions via his wonderful secretary. My questions / concerns are :- 1. first line treatments for dry mouth / lips are xylitol based (Oralieve) which I've been taking. More serious treatments offered are antidepressants and / or pregabslin / gabapentin which I want to avoid as they can put weight on. I am not sure if the quantities of xylitol are sufficient to affect the liver. 2. Does anyone have experience of taking Vitamin K supplements to help with clotting (PT) times ? Thsnks in advance Pete

[MINTVCX]

Regarding ". Does anyone have experience of taking Vitamin K supplements to help with clotting (PT) times ".

While vitamin K deficiency is common in cirrhosis, clotting issue is rather from damage of your liver than lack of this vitamin. Of course take this supplement according to your Hepatologist because there must obvious some good medical reason in your case. Take care.

[AnxiousPete in reply to MINTVCX]

Thank you

[Liver3]

Hi Pete, I just learned my PT time is high 1st time for me! I didn't understand what is was until researching.

I always thought taking a blood pressure pill was a blood thinner! To my surprise today I was informed It is not a blood thinner always learning something new!

I take due to liver damage to avoid varisis!

If vit k helps, I may start taking.

I am a meld score of 10 do you know your score? If they provide that score to you.

We are out here sharing and learning.

Wishing you all the best on this slippery road we travel.

[AnxiousPete in reply to Liver3]

My MELD was 6 but that was with INR of 1 - I am worried it could be higher now as my PT has increased - I don't see consultant until December.

[wp69]

What's your B12 level ?

[AnxiousPete in reply to wp69]

I haven't been told

[wp69]

My B12 was very low with this condition , I also have pernicious anaemia

[AnxiousPete in reply to wp69]

Thanks I will check

[Greengal314]

Hi Pete, a decrease from 92 to 88 is not much of a drop. Platelets vary a lot during one day, let alone different days and times. They both round to 90. 😃😅 I wouldn’t be too concerned in that change. It probably changed a lot more during that same day.

Good job losing weight. Keep up the work!

I don’t take vitamin k, but I am eating a lot of foods high in it. They are also high in iron, c, and b vitamins. Spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc.

Take care

Gg

[AnxiousPete in reply to Greengal314]

Thank you for that and keep keeping well

[DouggG]

Hey Pete,

It sounds like you're dealing with a lot, but it’s great to hear your cirrhosis is stable and you're losing weight. As for your dry mouth and Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), xylitol-based products like Oralieve are a good first step, and they’re usually safe even with liver issues. If you're worried about the amount of xylitol affecting your liver, it's a good idea to bring it up with your doctor just in case.

I get why you’re hesitant about meds like gabapentin or pregabalin because of the potential weight gain. If you’re really not keen on those, there might be other options like topical treatments or even acupuncture that can help with the burning sensation.

For Vitamin K, it’s best to check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially with your liver condition. They can guide you on what's safe or if there’s anything else that might help with your clotting times.

I personally take Gabapentin for nerve pain, order only from this online pharmacy - topsup24.com/buy-neurontin-... and it’s been really effective without any issues. Might be worth thinking about if the BMS gets worse, but again, best to run it by your doctor.

Take care!