How often should platelet count checks be done?

[Jonamack]

Hello

I used to get a platelet count check every year but lately i have let that slide and i confess its been a good few years since i had one done. So my question is how often would people suggest having this done?

Thank you

[sailor]

Morning,

This can only really be answered by your consultant who knows your history and every consultant will have his/her own thoughts on this.

However, if you have ITP now or are in remission, I feel it should be checked regularly. Ask you GP in the first instance next time you pay your local doctor a visit.

Hope this is helpful.

Sailor.

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

I would echo the answer given by Sailor. It really depends on each individual case and what the specialist advises.

In my situation where I have been in remission now for 15 months my specialist and I have agreed that a 6 monthly blood test and check up (ie chat) with the specialist is the way to go. That suits us both in that it does not waste time unnecessarily for either of us. Also I have no other medical problems and am I suppose quite healthy other than ITP.

I would think that if in remission a 6 monthly or possibly 3 monthly blood test and check would be sensible but it depends on whether or not there are any other medical complications, the age of the sufferer, what the specialist suggests.

Either way a regular blood test and check up is at least a way of keeping on top of things quickly if any problems do show up. Also for me it gives me some reassurance and peace of mind to just have an update/chat with my specialist.

It also gives me an opportunity to discuss any latest ITP developments etc and try to learn more about the mystery that is ITP.

Best wishes

Anthony

[Jonamack]

Thank you both for your replies, I recently moved doctor so i will discuss this with them as the last doctor i had was not great, he used to tell me to take asprin to bring a fever down and i had to tell him i wasn't allowed to take it. I will see what kind of support i get from my new one

Thanks again

[karinsky in reply to Jonamack]

If you have any symptoms, like bruises, petechaie or nose bleeds, then that should be your guide. If you have no symptoms, then don't have a blood test.

[GretaB]

As said by Anthony and Sailor, it all depends on the individual. When my platelets were low and I was prone to relapses, I went to the hema weekly. Then as My ITP improved, it went to monthly. Now that I am in remission, I get my platelets checked every 3 months.