Thrombocytopenia?

[Coppernob]

I have APS, Sjogren's, hypothyroidism and a host of other complaints.

One of these is easy bruising and bleeding. So much so that I can no longer play with the dogs in case their claws catch me, I can't get to the outdoor tap because it's buried in the hedge that will attack me and wrench off a lump of skin, I can't even carry a bag over my arm without coming out in a mass of bruising. I'm 70 but this degree of bruising is not age-appropriate.

I've had a few blood tests recently that measure platelet counts. They're within reference range but I think they qualify as 'lowish'. Results are: 199 [140-400]; 193 [150-400].

Apparently, if counterintuitively, it is possible to have both APS (clotting) and thrombocytopenia (bleeding). Great, innit?!

Anyway, anyone got any comments? I think I would like to bring this up with the rheumy and other medics and enquire about IVIG. Or, indeed, any other suitable treatments.

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

I believe this is low- ish. I’m not an expert though-

Yes- ITP can go wit APS. I have a history of ITP.

I think your heme and rheumatologist must be consulted and plant together.

[GinaD]

I was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia in the early 70s ( age @20.) I was treated (forgot how) for a few years, then my platelet count returned to normal. But then, in my late 20s - early 40s, I was told I had thrombocytosis! ( Too many platelets --as in over 800!) I was put on a protocol of walking more, sitting less, eating ginger or drinking ginger ale daily plus a daily aspirin. And then, my platelet count returned to normal, but in those early symptoms of my APS, (age 50s) my symptoms ( DVTs, head aches) were attributed to a return of too many platelets. But the blood results always showed normal platelet count. Local doctors insisted that, given my history, the platelet counts were not accurate. At least 3blood draws, from different labs, were deemed inaccurate. As my symptoms progressed I finally went out-of-state and was diagnosed with APS. I started warfarin in 2001 and have lived happily ever after ever since.

so--- Given my too few, then too many platelets, I believe that in my case, the conclusion that my immune system revved up its war against platelets ( APS) as a response to my thrombocytosis makes perfect sense But what do I know? Very little! I'm an English major.

[Hughes-Comrade]

I wouldn't worry too much about the low platelets. In the USA I think the normal numbers are recognized as 150-400. For years I hovered around 98-100 with a lower dip now and then to 68 or so. However since I got covid in March of 2022, which PE's almost took me, I'm what they call a longhauler. I had about 48 of the 98 symptom list. But the interesting part is my platelets. It is not unusal now to be 57 or so with low dips to 7 and 9. Seems pretty common now. Take care. I also have Thrombocytopenia.

[Hughes-Comrade]

I told my hematoligist I know how to solve the issue of low platelets and worry. No more blood draws. In the state I live in THC is allowed and legal. I have noticed that it seems to stablize my platelets. I stopped taking them before a trip to Mexico as we were low on gummies and it's more important for my wife to take them (stage IV Lung, but all good now). So for ten days I didn't take them. Boom, platelets to 9. Pretty sure it works for me. Not the first time it's happened, same scenario.

[MaryF Administrator]

Good you are taking it further, my late father had this and I remember his bruising really well. MaryF