Fluctuating Counts? Can we increase counts?

[ramkya]

My son, 25, a basketball athlete, was diagnosed with ITP, post a viral attack, we don't know if platelets were low, earlier, no records of him being sick for a long long time that required drawing blood in the lab. This result now came out of the blue and shook us all. His count was 75 k and fluctuatuates now between 1.25 & 1.45 k.

Doctors say, he can live normally, nothing to worry, just check once in a month. Is there anything we are missing? Any way to increase the counts? What should we do to ensure he is not in any danger?

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

--Ramky.

[prudencepayes]

Hi. Sorry to hear that you have had this worry about your son. I am glad that I can reassure you he is fine. I am guessing that you mean his levels are now between 125k and 145k. These are very, very safe levels and most ITP patients would be delighted with them. My platelets have dropped to about 8k on several occasions and I was okay although at that level treatment is required. It is generally considered that anything over 30k is a safe level, but there are people on this forum who live with levels lower than that and prefer to avoid treatment. That's because some of the treatments have very unpleasant side effects. So, although it's probably wise for him to have his levels checked occasionally you can trust the doctors advice that he is completely safe at his current levels.

[exxxon]

they are safe levels but make sure to monitor for less than 75k .. that is where he can have trouble .. if its a viral infection he should recover nicely .. stay well .. jimmy

[ramkya]

Thank you Prudance & exxon for the reply,

So happy to read. Yes, l meant 125k & 150 K.

He works out well everyday & plays football now to keep fit, doc told to keep doing that & check monthly or when he feels anything is unusual.

Will moniter regularly.

-- Ramky

[NickyD]

Hi just to make you feel more comfortable about your son, i have had a platelet count of zero and am still here. Yes it was a little concerning but i just had to be careful. You can have major surgery with a count above 70k. His counts are very very good. Nicky

[ramkya]

Thanks Nicky! That's very comforting. Wishing you health & counts.

--Ramky

[alice_sportyauthor]

I’m with everyone else, his count is almost normal, nothing to worry about really. Once a month even seems excessive given his high count. Once every three months to get an idea of his ‘normal’ and then, after a year, as long as he is generally well, once every six months sounds more than enough.

[ramkya]

Thank you Alice... Looks like his lucky Angels are with him.

--Ramky