High platelets and poor consult

[28maggie11]

Because of high platelets GP practice contacted rheumatology. Nurse said she would refer me to consultant (new to post). I got an appointment the next week. Well she thought I was there for a routine appt I had to tell her I was referred. She felt my joints very gently and actually said I don't know why your platelets are high as joints 9pmare fine. I did say they were internally extremely painful. I am on rituximab had my 2 infusions January. I expressed concerns to previous out of retirement consultant that it was no longer working. She then asked me if I wanted to continue with rituximab I replied that I was aware it was in my system until July. She did arrange different bloods to be taken and a referral to physio and a dexa scan. Sorry for rant.

[rab1874]

Rant away Maggie that’s what we’re here for,my ALT bloods are a bit high at the moment so there going to ween me off methotrexate on 20mgs at the moment but about to go down to 15mgs and still on Toximilunumb xxxx

[weathervane]

Hi maggie , its good that your rheumy has arranged for more bloods and a scan ,at least thats a plus . I have found that it can take 12 weeks at times for the rituximab to work and some times it doesn’t always work as well . It is very frustrating when your doctor doesn’t appear to be up to speed . If you are still concerned do contact your rheumy nurse . Look after yourself , best wishes xxx

[28maggie11 in reply to weathervane]

Thank you

[AgedCrone]

Rtx infusions can sometimes not appear as effective as the last one......I’ve been on it for four years now and although I am not 100% pain-free 100% of the time it really is the most effective drug I’ve tried in 20 odd years. Only had a couple of flares and that was when I was trying to go longer than six months between infusions.

Don’t abandon it thinking the next drug will miraculously return you to your preRA condition....because sadly it most likely won’t.

[28maggie11 in reply to AgedCrone]

My worry is my platelets being high. The new rheumy said she does not know why platelets are high. Not filling me with confidence

[AgedCrone in reply to 28maggie11]

Are you taking Mtx with the Rtx? Rheumy probably won’t know why platelets are high until a comparable + set of bloods are back from the lab.

I’d rather have an honest answer than be fobbed off with platitudes wouln’t you?

She has sent you for a scan, & some physio......sounds like she is trying.

I find in all specialties the doctors who are cautious tend to come out on top!

As you are finding out - RA it’s not a one-stop job!

[28maggie11 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. I have read some of your replies before and have found them so sensible. I will await blood results

[28maggie11 in reply to 28maggie11]

Ps. Cannot take methotrexate

[Moomin8]

Hi, I know this post was a while ago...but my platelets are raised - 473. I've had one round of Rituximab and I'm on 22.5 mg methotrexate. My ESR reads 115, which isn't good, plus I'm slightly anaemic. Did you get any answers?

[28maggie11 in reply to Moomin8]

Sorry still having bother with rheumy. Platelets ok but I am taking cannabis paste which seems to be keeping me steady. My GP explained it was a sign of my RA

[Moomin8 in reply to 28maggie11]

Thanks, hope rhemy gets sorted...that's a long time to have trouble!

[Hidden]

I think platelets are high when your body is fighting infection. You should be offered follow up bloods..

[Moomin8 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I'll follow that up.