Coronavirus - & just had surgery

[CarolineDavies]

Hi everyone, please advise me if you can...

I’m 51, ET Jak2 negative for 14 years plus psoriatic arthritis & migraines.

I take 75mg aspirin, never had anything chemo wise at all.

I had an operation 10 days ago & my platelets that day were 525. I’d stopped aspirin a week before surgery as told.

Am usually around the 450 mark these days, they were 440 in the autumn when I last saw my oncologist.

Am scared of catching the coronavirus (like we all are) so had virtually decided to cancel my blood test tomorrow afternoon, & email or phone the oncology dept & to update them & cancel my appointment in April.

Am I doing the right thing? Am sure the platelets were only higher as temporarily off my aspirin, & 525 isn’t a bad number anyway. Thanks in advance xx

[friendofpiglet]

Since it appears you had a blood test with the surgery I'd imagine you could forgo the test tomorrow and ask for a telephone consultation perhaps.

Not an expert but it's how I'd play it.

Andy

[CarolineDavies in reply to friendofpiglet]

Thanks, yes I’m going to do that. The Prime Minister has literally just announced lockdown in the past few minutes anyway. Thanks for your reply x

[friendofpiglet in reply to CarolineDavies]

Well, the lockdown does exclude medical needs.... But staying safe is paramount.

[Applesnpears]

Taking asprin will not affect your platelet counts but it will help reduce your risk of a blood clot. You need to speak to your specialist about taking your asprin. You should not stop taking asprin because of concerns about Covid-19.

[CarolineDavies in reply to Applesnpears]

Hi, I was straight back on aspirin the day after my operation, thanks for your reply tho x

[Applesnpears in reply to CarolineDavies]

Sorry, I misunderstood the question. It sounds like you platelet count is pretty stable . If your normal level is 450 then a result of 525 is not significantly different. A 10% variation due to analysis is typical and if youve had surgery a small increase in platelets is to be expected. As others have already said you should check wifh your specialists about the need for another blood test but if one was dome only 10 days ago I would expect them to say that they don't need to see you.

[Deefen]

Aspirin doesn’t lower your platelets, it just helps reduce the risk of blood clotting

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Caroline, you need to contact the department and ask for their advice about the blood test and the appointment in April, they are the ones who can advise you on this, you may find that they will change the appointment to a telephone consultation, so don't cancel it until you have spoken with them, or email them if you can. Best wishes, Maz

[CarolineDavies]

Thanks all, I’m going to phone today, can’t find an email address or I’d use that.

I’m sure they’ll say to leave it this time.

Stay safe everyone & thanks for your replies 😷 xx

[hunter5582]

For sure to follow up with your doc. Having just had a surgery, you may be experiencing reactive thrombocytosis. It is a normal response to injury or bleeding that may have different implications when you already have thrombocytosis. Your numbers are pretty low, so likely nothing to worry about. Best to not make assumptions though.

Hope your recovery goes well.