Valve replacment/repair

  Hi Dr. I'm due to have valve surgery next month and my bloodwork came back platelt 57 and white count 2,000.No one seems to know why.Blood tests will be done again 6-9-98.Current meds...lanoxin,lasix,zestril,premeran,kadur,and Tylenol#3.what has me concerned is, will this delay surgery, and the fact that they are sending me to the onocology blood lab for the blood tests.Can you give me a clue as to what is going on??I will be having this done at the U.of M.in Ann Arbor.I did ask them,but everyone said "we don"t know" and just left it there.I know this can't be the first time they ever ran into this. Thanks for any information or direction. Barb....
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Dear Barb:
Your low platelet and white blood cell counts are concerning.  It would be unwise to proceed with surgery until the cause of the low counts is determined and treated.  Low platelets would increase your chance of bleeding greatly.  
Many different serious diseases can cause low blood counts.  Certain medicines can also lower blood counts as a side effect.  You  should see a hematologist/oncologist, a specialist in blood cell disorders and cancers.  In addition to ordering the appropriate blood tests, this type of doctor can perform a bone marrow biopsy, a test to see if the tissue that produces blood cells is working.
I hope everything works out well for you.  Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.