Platelets increase

[PHGR]

My mun was diagnosed with thrombocytosis around 3 yrs ago. She has been on Hydresan for these years but during the past two blood tests she had to take her platelets went up to 600 in the first one and the second one was 700..We will contact her doctor but is this something to worry about? Ever since she discovered this issue she has also acquired some nosophobia claiming she will die soon and so on! I don't like seeing her so worried! Thank you so much for your insight into my post.. Wishing you all a good health!

[hunter5582]

There can be a number of reasons why PLT can increase. It is normal for platelets to cycle by as much as 100K in a single day. My PLT used to routinely cycle between the 500s and 700s. It is the trend over time that matters. The typical pattern of PLT levels for any one individual is also something to consider.

Given that your Mum is on a cytoreductive medication like hydroxycarbamide, a steady upwards increase is something that need to be investigated. It could mean any of a number of things (e.g., reactive thrombocytosis). It is best to not make assumptions. Suggest a consult with the hematologist is in order. Hopefully, she is already consulting with a MPN Specialist.

Note that it is quite common to be fearful about MPNs, particularly when first diagnosed. Learning that you have a "blood cancer" is scary. It can take some time to wrap your head around how to approach this. A few things that may help. ET is best thought of as cancer with a little "c" rather than cancer with a big "C". It is a chronic disease that needs to be managed much like diabetes. It is a truism that when properly managed you are more likely to die with ET than from it. People with ET can expect to live a normal lifespan. There are issues to be managed, but they can be managed successfully.

Wishing you and your Mum all the best.

[michael123]

I don't think 700 is really that bad. wish mine were that low. Hydroxyurea gave me bad anxiety which is probably what your mom is feeling. try to be kind as anxiety is really rough to deal with.

[PHGR in reply to michael123]

I didn't know Hydroxyurea could cause anxiety.. Before this disease she was a calm person. I can't tell if the disease itself caused her the anxiety or as you are saying this medicine! She is visiting a normal haematologist and not an expert as Hunter mentioned before cos as I see these experts are very few all around the world. Hope all side effects will subside and your platelets will return to normal as well!

[heathermc]

Platelets can jump for no reason as I've found myself . I had Et for 9 yrs started treatment of Hu in 2019 ..my platelets were 1700. Through time and adjustment of doses they dropped to 800. I was also then put on anagralide in 2020 and since then have taken 4 a day amd 1 hu tablet. My platelets fluctuate between 300 to 500 now. I sought help recently for my anxiety with Et I got myself deeply worried and couldn't cope .I also recovered from a ruptured aneurysm in my brain which needed surgery. I think we all need help sometimes . Getting help isn't always easy amd takes time . I was lucky I got help straight away. It's been beneficial.. Taking the big step to reach out isn't always easy ..forums like this can be so helpful

Wishing you well for the future

[Tipsy2023]

Hi my platelets hovered around 600 I had Covid and they shot up to 750 my haematologist said the Covid was not the cause but I am not convinced as platelets returned to 500s quite quickly so maybe your Mum has had a virus or something as Hunter suggests .

I do find I am now quite anxious and having been always independent and capable it is quite hard to deal with .thank you as always to Hunter for such insight I tell myself constantly as I used to tell my patients you are living with this not dying from it . But sometimes when I cannot do the simple things in life that have always brought me joy it is quite hard .but hanging on in there and the sky is blue today ! Always a boost L

[PHGR]

Do people bruise easily with ET? She got some bruises lately.. Is it a symptom of this disease? If so, is it something worrying?

[Angelinagaffer]

Sounds like your mum needs to stick on a couple of her favourite tunes and dance around the living room to get those endorphins flowing, it will help with the anxiety. Maybe take your mum to a dance class 😁 get her out of the house for awhile.Your mum's platelets are not a death sentence, they are manageable and maybe slightly out of range but are not that high. Mine go up to over 3000 and I am still here , healthy and strong, living life.

Anxiety and stress can help the platelets to rise so stick the tunes on and have a dance..

Best Wishes

Angelina