low platelets 17

[puleng]

I went to my GP for a routine check up.he was very worried about my platelets cause they were abnormally very low...17.he referred me to a Physician and I'm going to see him tomorrow.should i be worried?

[Robert1959]

17 is definitely a low count but many on this forum have been lower and even down to 0 (myself included) and we have all survived.

Do you have any symptoms as yet such as heavy bruises, nosebleeds or red spots on your legs? If you get below 10 you may even develop some blood blisters in your mouth so don't be worried as this is common.

Make sure that you read the various stories and comments on this website which will help you understand the various treatment options that will be put to you and understand that unfortunately this may take some time, maybe even 12 months, to get under control. They will probably start you off on Prednisone which may have a strange effect on your mind (forgetfulness, sleeplessness, increased appetite, high energy levels) and many will tell of their hatred of this drug. This usually only gives a short term result and you then move on to the other treatments.

Anyway keep asking questions as you progress and we will offer some advice from our own experiences but there is definitely no need to panic.

Robert

[puleng in reply to Robert1959]

I have spots on my thighs,round like.palpitations most of the time and sometimes difficulty in breathing

[scaryteacher]

It depends why they are low. I've just finished a course of medication for shingles that can reduce platelets, despite the doc knowing I have ITP.

Platelets vary all the time. I can have a blood test showing they are 19, and 12 hours later they may be 35.

It can also be a wait and see game. I've had ITP for 20+ years, and don't take long term medication for it. I've had steroids three times in that period, and one of those was for a general anaesthetic; so you can lead a normal life, you just can't play rugby anymore! I have blood tests every six months, and just keep a note of the trend...so when I was diagnosed in 1995, they ran about 80, now the trend is between 20-45.

Don't panic, and keep asking questions.

[Rockette62]

See what the physician has to say. Make a list of questions to take with you and ask them. Good luck.

[RobertSp]

All of the above is good advice. Have you been tested for other reasons for low platelets? I.E. bone marrow biopsy? If it's really ITP, it is still possible to live a full life.