Platelet count

[BePositive22]

I just had a bi-yearly checkup and my platelet count went down Can anyone tell me if a persons platelet counts can go up? and if so, how did you make that happen?

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Platelet counts will fluctuate. Up and down.

You don't give any values.

Essentially the trend is important, be it trending up or down. Both high and low levels become important mmedically.

Always watch the trend, and there is nothing we can do to affect platelet levels as such.

Below 100 and above 300 (depending on the units) one would probably take notice and repeat the test for the blood platelet levels.

Jig

[HelloCLL]

Hello BePositive22

There is some research indicating that Papaya Leaf can increase platelets. I am attempting to copy and paste a linked article with more information.

mskcc.org/cancer-care/integ....

Please note that there are risks and warnings associated with using Papaya Leaf (for example, liver toxicity issues).

My platelets were down to 102. I have tried using Papaya Leaf, as well as taking Vitamin K, and getting more vegetables in my diet. I've been fortunate to increase platelets to 125. It could be a coincidence, of course.

Best of wishes to you.

[BePositive22 in reply to HelloCLL]

They have been going down over the course of 3 years - currently at 120. Thanks for the article. I'll have to give it a read!

[Poodle2 in reply to BePositive22]

120 is still within a normal range and they can stay like that for years so I think you do not have to worry about them at this point.

[Graham2222]

As Jig says, it is the trend that’s important. My platelet count dived after chemotherapy, but has slowly improved to normal. If the count is highly abnormal you just have to watch out during any planned operations or invasive dentistry. Bleeding can be difficult to control as clotting is affected.

[wizzard166]

Hey Be Positive

I can tell you that mine have gone up and down many times over my five years on Watch and Wait. Over time the overall trend is definitely down, but it seems that the readings go like a stock chart that is trending downward. Every once in a while there is a slight recovery upward, but overall, down. There hasn't been big moves in either direction. Five years ago the readings were between 195 and 170, and in the last year between 145 and 155.

If you meant will the platelets ever go up and stay up, I can't imagine that happening; unless, treatment ultimately returns them to higher levels.

Carl

[scryer99]

I was down to 90s, but up now to 140s after three months' CLL treatment.

Platelets can be managed if they need to be. But unless they're below the 70s or so, I would guess your doctors will just keep an eye on it until other signs indicate treatment need.

[BePositive22 in reply to scryer99]

May I ask what CLL Treatment you are getting?

[scryer99 in reply to BePositive22]

Sure - phase I clinical trial BGB-11417, with zanubrutinib and a venetoclax successor drug under study in a combination therapy. Going well, but I don't recommend it unless you need it. More here:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

[Gradyboy]

Stay away from aspirin and ibuprofen. Also red meat always gives mine a bosst.

[Maryjanelane]

My platelets are low -mostly in the 70's over many months. I often eat collards to give them a little boost. My daughter sometimes supplies me with pots of super food greens I keep in a small sunroom. I find both helpful. I am taking Imbruvica (Ibrutinib) almost 5 yrs.