Platelet levels...

[Brychni]

Can platelets levels go up and down?

[SoporRose]

Do you mean within a safe range? Certainly. Are yours getting too low? I hope you're doing all right.

[Brychni in reply to SoporRose]

Mine are permanently slightly below and have been for ages but it was only mentioned recently at an appointment as ITP which I had to look up. It seems they're not low enough to cause real problems but wonder if nose bleed episodes and unusually heavy (very) periods in the past and the petechiae on the backs of my hands and more recently on my face and other obscure areas like my ear, is a result of platelets dipping even lower at times?I often have low white blood cells too, although sometimes low normal.

[SoporRose in reply to Brychni]

Those are a fair number of concerns. Are you seeing a haematologist? Are your counts unusually low for your own normal or below the general average? I know my doctor starts to consider treatment when mine get around 100k (though I've been stable for quite some time now).

[NickyD]

Yes, your count can go up as well as down.

For example, over a two week period my platelet count was:-

Monday - 21

Thursday - 2

Friday - 40

Monday - 539

Thursday - 965

I had to attend hospital most days because my platelet count was all over the place.

Lowest count - Nil

Highest count - 1400

Hope that helps.

Nicky

[Nicebaps]

Hi Brychni

Platelets can most certainly go up and down. Mine have been as low as zero which required immediate treatment. If you're worried then please consult a doctor.

[Brychni in reply to Nicebaps]

Mine are permanently slightly below and have been for ages but it was only mentioned recently at an appointment as ITP which I had to look up. It seems they're not low enough to cause real problems but wonder if nose bleed episodes and unusually heavy (very) periods in the past and the petechiae on the backs of my hands and more recently on my face and other obscure areas like my ear, is a result of platelets dipping even lower at times?I often have low white blood cells too, although sometimes low normal.

[rjsmyth]

Like a yoyo

[Metalgod]

Yes they can but as long as they are in the range the doctor wants either low or high then you are ok also things like colds n flu or covid can affect readings but if any concerns contact your specialist /doctor

[Lynney11]

They certainly can! Normal range is 150-400, although many people can function normally with a very low count. My haematologist prefers my count to be around 50-80 and I am on medication which keeps me just over 100 at present.

[Calliecookins]

My platelets have gone from 488 (with medication ) to 4 (without medication) but it took a few weeks. In your case, you may want to get a second opinion at a different hospital. I’ve done that before in order to check one lab’s results against another lab’s results. . Also, make sure you’re going to a certified hematologist. Best Wishes..

[Brychni in reply to Calliecookins]

I don't see a haematologist. I don't think my platelets are low enough to cause me any problems. The bruises and mysterious red spots have been explained as my ITP which was news. That was dermatologist. Not sure why the rheumatologist didn't explain it. Haven't had the nosebleeds or heavy periods for a while now, only the petechiae on backs of my hands and the spots and bruises.