Continued Journey

[FiArt12X]

This is day +67 for me since by Bone Marrow Transplant. Happy Labor Day here in the USA.

I had been cruising along with a few seemingly minor issues. GI tract at times has been an issue especially with bowel movements. As I was weened off the steroid Prednisone I have recently been put on the steroid Budesonide. This designed and intended to stay in the GI tract and help get some of those functions back to a normal range. This will be good for me because there is som econcern with my absorption of nutrients from my food intake as I continue to lose weight. My normal weight is around the low 180s and I’m down to 165. I am eating plenty, so it is not intake.

My second issue to arise is a drop in platelets. Since, all my other blood specifics from labs are either in the normal range or stable, medical team considers this an outlier. However, this became a concern to me this Sunday as I got a bloody nosebleed that wouldn’t stop for about 20 minutes. There was talk that the platelet drop could be related to GVHD (GraftVs Host Disease). Reminders I’m not out of the woods yet.

Note: platelet lab counts Aug 14-299, 20th-217, 22nd-152, 27th-83, 29th-67. Significant decreases in a short time.

I will report on my labs tomorrow 9/3/24 and labs and clinic 9/5/24. After results are in.

[Poodle2]

I really feel for you with the nose bleed! I had the same when my platelets dropped to 66, it really spooked me out. My platelets then went back up so I hope you have the same outcome. Lots happening, it sounds it is going in the right direction - hopefully. Wishing you all the best. Stay strong.

Petra ❤️

[FiArt12X in reply to Poodle2]

I appreciate sharing your own experiences

[Newdawn Administrator]

I’m sorry to hear you’ve got this platelet issue FiArt and hope it’s not attributable to GVHD. Let’s hope the next few days sees improved levels because as you say, your other labs are good and things have been progressing well.

Sending huge best wishes and hoping for resolution of this concern very soon.

Happy Labour Day (with the U.K. spelling 😉),

Newdawn

[FiArt12X in reply to Newdawn]

Thank you! Plus, I’m familiar with the alternative spelling. My Mom, 97, is WWII war bride from Scotland.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Great news other than that worrying downward platelet trend. I hope you see a reversal next test. Here's the risk of bleeding by platelet level.

Platelet Range_Risk of Bleeding

100 – 150 Little to no risk of bleeding

50 – 99 Increased risk of bleeding with injury

20 – 49 Risk of bleeding increased without injury. Spontaneous bruising will be seen (mostly on the arms and legs)

10 – 19 Risk of bleeding greatly increased

<10 Spontaneous bleeding likely

Neil

[FiArt12X in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for the specifics about platelet levels and possible side effects

[Canuck901]

interesting, hope all is well and these speed bumps get are almost over for you .

[FiArt12X in reply to Canuck901]

Here’s hoping!

[Agiledog]

FiArt,

Sending very best wishes to you, friend. Day by day. One at a time. You’ve taken a courageous step. Hang in!

Best,

Bud

[FiArt12X]

Thank you for your encouragement