Hypercoagulation

[PlateletGal]

Hi Prof. Nicolson,

Welcome back ! I have several questions, including ?'s about hypercoagulation and CFS. My platelet count has never been over 350 (X1000) in the 90s. Last year, it was high at 550 and now high at 459. In addition, my hematocrit is 42.6... which I find very interesting considering I'm a vegetarian and my labs were drawn after my cycle. Along with my platelet count, my hct is also getting a little higher.

I've read a few articles on hypercoagulation and CFIDS/M.E. I believe that I have this condition, as my blood has also clotted the last two times that I've had it drawn. But is this condition responsible for my higher hct and platelet count ? And how can I find a physician who will treat this condition ? I do know that there is a lab in Phoenix (HEMEX) that does a research test and is finding hypercoagulation problems in CFS patients.... but to my knowledge, the test is not covered by insurance and the cost for testing is around $800.00.

I have read studies where CFS patients were given heparin and their symptoms improved. Do you think I should discuss this with my physician ? Also... have you heard of a product called Wobenzym PS ?

Another question I have for you is can your pulse ox be critical in one arm (or should I say finger?) and normal in the other arm ?

And one last question..... I have severe allergies and yet my eosinophils are always within the normal range. I don't understand how this could be.


Thanks for being here !

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

1. You could be one of the CFS patients who have chronic infections that affect platelet aggregation and hypercoagulation.  But this can also occur for other reasons not associated with infections.  You are correct that Hemex is the best lab to have this done, but it may or may not result in a new treatment direction.  In terms of the heparin effect, it is not clear whether this is a coagulation effect or biofilm effect (heparin can affect some biofilms, so can Wobenzym).  Also, fibrin affects coagulation, and you didn't mention anything about your fibrin levels.

2. I have no idea about differences between your two arms.

3. Not all allergic reactions are driven by eosinophils, and some patients have very reactive eosinophils that are quite active even when their numbers are in the normal range.

[PlateletGal]

Thank you once again, Prof. Nicolson. I saw a new physician and he ordered a fibrinogen level. The results are still pending. He also wants me to see a HEM/ONC physician.