Fluctuating Platelet Counts

[annem22]

Hello everyone. I hope everyone is feeling well today.

I am in the beginning stages of being diagnosed with ET from my doctor at MSKCC. Before I sought the specialist out, my primary care doctor who is also board certified in hematology, was the one who ran all the tests (CBC, genetic testing/blood smear, and bone marrow biopsy) and diagnosed me with early onset of ET. When I had my CBC in June, my platelet levels were 724. Then last Thursday at MSKCC, it was 967. Today it’s 883.

Has anyone ever experienced this before? Was there ever an explanation? I know many have said that stress does not help and I read that menstruation also elevated platelet levels. I was trying very hard not to stress out over the results and went as far as shutting the world out a few minutes before I went to sleep, listening to music to help me meditate. I’m not very good at it. My mind is always on the go and running through a million things. I need to learn to slow the heck down.

[Susana7]

Hi, these small variations are normal. Platelets will vary depending on personal factors, like stress and inflammation, and also on where you do the test, as different machines can produce slightly different results. Before Pegasys, my platelets were very high but would sometimes reduce slightly from reading to reading. X

[forwardocho]

Hello - it's normal for your platelets to increase, decrease. What meds are you on? Two weeks ago my platelets were 1,547, last Friday they are 403. I came off my chemo because of a major surgery I had for 11 days, hence the increase.

[Tico]

Hi annem22,like susana7 says small variations are normal,& also can vary slightly from lab to lab. I'm etjak2 & had problems with quite big variations in my plate counts, especially this last year,seeing haematologist on the 5th of sept,so will try to have a proper discussion with him then but anytime you feel unwell or concerned about talk to your haemo about this or ask maz to check it out for you. By the i have only just seen your 1st post here & completly understand your worries & concerns about watching your kids & grandkids grow up as i think you said your 39? I was diagnosed at 38, 10/11yrs ago & i've watched my daughter & grandson & soon to be granddaughter grow,soon it will not be the et you are worried about but trying to keep up with yours as you get older! Sending hugs to you & keep then thoughts. Atb tina🤗

[Wyebird]

Try not to worry it’s early days for you. Fluctuations often happen so I’ve been told and thus careful monitoring takes place. Mine just keep going up lol.

Wishing you all the best

[SP-2008]

Hi annem22, Low ferritin and iron levels can also have an impact. Also Colds and flu’s etc. I’ve also been told by my Haematologist that high intensity exercise due to inflammation when the body is recovering can affect platelets. Even without any secondary reason, it’s not unusual for there to be fluctuations of the amounts you have described. All the best, Paul