Is this normal for platelets to increase so quickly ?

[kitttycat]

I had a bit of a cold for a few days and also didn’t feel so great –the cold went away but still didn’t feel great. Blood test results at the hospital showed many highs and lows, the white count was way up and my platelets which were always low 320 increased to around 370. Over several days, the hospital gave me many more tests and could find nothing, but my platelets on the last test increased to 670. They thought I had a viral infection and that was it- still not totally recovered feeling weak and like I am sweating. . I am still taking the hydroxyurea. I am a bit worried about this - Is this normal that platelets can go up so quickly in 5 days from 370 (was 320) to 670. Does anyone know anything about a situation like this.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Tests do funny things whilst your immune system does its thing.

My husband had low red platelet cells as he ended up with a belt with antibiotics being pumped into his body.

At 2 weeks I noticed he was in the hospital loo too long. Hard to pass he said.

The hospital in surgery found a big pusy cyst on a joint at bottom of spine.

The pus was not identified but put down as streptycocci aurerus?

Slowly the platelets grew in total.

He could hardly walked. Lots of swearing!

Take it slowly.

cheri. JOY 73. (NZ)

[kitttycat in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thank you for your response, I am sorry to hear what happened to your husband. I am worried if my platelets are going to return to their normal level of 320.

[hunter5582]

It is normal for the PLT levels to vary by as much as 100K in a single day in response to what is going on in your body. Reactive thombocytosis can occur in response to bleeding, infection, inflammation or injury. I have had PLT elevate by 300+ due to reactive thrombocytosis.

Suggest not worrying too much about it. Ride out the infection and give your body a bit of time to recover. Do, of course, make sure your MPN care team is aware of the situation. They can best advise you as to anything in particular you should be doing.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[kitttycat in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks so much for your response. I just hope they go back to 320. (which is a worry), and it was a worry that they elevated so fast. They could not identify the inflamation marker and felt it was viral infection. My hematologist does get the hospital reports. Thank you again.

[Solyesh]

Definitely need to get another reading as it could be reactive and normalize once the event/issue has passed...in my case my platelets went from around the 800-950 level (cycling in and around those numbers for about 6 months) and then shot up to 1,400 in one reading (which was accompanied by bleeding at the gum line and led to my starting cytoreductive therapy).

[kitttycat in reply to Solyesh]

Solyesh thank you so much for your reply, I am getting more tests in two weeks. Many of my blood results are off kilter - and high inflammation marker but the platelets are a concern thank you for sharing your experience..

[saltmarsh]

I totally agree with the response from Hunter 5582. I have had pv for almost 3 years which was under control with phlebotomies. Last year I developed a severe digestive tract infection resulting in significant increase in platelets. After treatment for infection I was started on hydroxyurea for 9 months in prep for knee surgery. All good now.

I do see a recurring theme in many posts about the need for clear comprehensive communication with our doctors and recently started with a new doctor because it was lacking with my now former doctor. My advice on that is to be your own advocate and don't expect anything less from your doctor. Good luck

[kitttycat in reply to saltmarsh]

thank you for your interest and sharing your story. I appreciate it. I believe in being my own advocate and I have had to be with the Hematologist due to communication. You are very lucky you could find a doctor. thank you again

[Jansmithk]

It is normal for platelets and other blood tests to be oot of sorts when you are under the weather but saying that ive been on Hydroxy for several years plus interferon injections and my doctor still cant get my platelets down below 1200 if you are really worried speak to your haematology team good luck

[kitttycat in reply to Jansmithk]

Hello Jansmithk thanks for getting back to me. I am trying to remain optimistic my hope is that with the next set of tests, my results are improved. Thank you for telling me about your experience

[TLJ-1]

Sorry for your consternation, Kittycat. Yes, platelet levels may vary quite a lot in a short time period, especially when you have additional medical problems. Two things not mentioned by others that can affect the number you see: (1) if you become dehydrated, your levels will be elevated; (2) labs occasionally do make mistakes. So, with 670 as your last platelet value, you will hopefully get another blood test fairly soon to see if that is an aberration. As you've undoubtedly noted, many people on this forum would love for their level to become as low as 670, so definitely don't panic at this "moderately" high value.

[kitttycat in reply to TLJ-1]

Thank you TLJ-1 this is encouraging to know. I didnt know about the dehydration. My hope is that everything will eventually return to normal. Thank you again.

[redvanman]

Hi Kittycat

I've been on Hydroxycarbamide for 16 or 17 years for PRV and luckily any fluctuation in test results over the years has generally rectified itself within a month or so .. occasionally a new and very keen consultant would alter the dose to chase the numbers back in the right direction.... this has generally proven to be unnecessary. Any slight illness , cold or infection will cause variations in your test results .... Don't Worry cos im sure that doesn't help . Wait for your next test and I'm sure things will be cool .

[kitttycat in reply to redvanman]

Hello redvanman, thanks for getting back to me. I have to get some blood tests this weeks and I hope they have reverted back All of this has been such a struggle for me. Thank you for your words of encouragement, I appreciate it.