Can I raise my platelets

[GP7852]

I reached out to a doctor I have seen at the University of Penn.I have been accepted into a Gilead trial there and go for my screening next week.Their only concern is are my platelets too low.At 59 they were below the necessary 70 to be in a Merck trial.Is there anything that I can do or I should say take that might raise my platelets?

                                                                Glen

[GP7852]

Thanks Kim
I have been experiencing more dehydration than ever and have been pouring the water down.I will keep it coming.Thanks for the info.Hoping to get the call after this Thanksgiving weekend to come into the U of Penn for my screening for the trial.Cant wait to stop the itching,its making me nuts.
                                            Talk to you Kim    Glen

[Livelife777]

Hi Glen.   Don't know if this is accurate but had a Hematologist mention dehydration will lower your platelet count.  I would double up on your water consumption prior to giving blood and see if that helps.
At least you can't harm yourself.  Wish I had more.
.....Kim

[Hepcat7]

I just finished treatment with (Gilead) Harvoni and my platelets were 35 when I started. It seems to me that since they are prescribing to many people below 70 , that they would want some low platelet participants. Back to your question....  When I was slated for triple therapy a few years back , I was set up with a specialist at Penn Presby named Dr. Arthur Feldman to raise my platelets count. When I had knee surgery , I was given platelets IV and they stayed higher for about six weeks I believe.
Good luck with all of your efforts.
There are other ways to get funded for treatment Meds as well , like Pan foundation in Fla. and Gilead themselves.
PS is this a new drug from Gilead? I know you can't do details but I was just curious.
Let us know how you do .....
Hepcat

[GP7852]

Hi Hepcat-as far as the drugs that I am getting on the trial I don't know what they are.I didn't want to sound forward by asking questions.I am just so happy to be selected and so desperate to get rid of these cramps and this relentless itching I will take whatever they give me.All I know is she wanted to know if I was going away in the next 3 months so I am looking at a 12 week trial.I wish it was longer.Naturally I am skeptical but I have to believe that this is gonna be the one.  Glen

[flyinlynn]

Forgot about that. My platelet counts also went up on treatment but I think it was a positive side effect of th eRibavirin which drove so many other blood counts down my plateletts were up in comparison

[GP7852]

That's interesting Lynn-My platelets have been as low as in the 30s.I don't want the U of Penn to see anything like that at my screening so I am kid of scared.They will bump me if I am too low and with the way my condition is deteriorating that would mean certain doom.The itching alone has become unbearable again.She said she will be calling this week for the screening.When she asked if I will be able to get there I told her I would jog there if I had to.I will let you know how things turn out-Glen

[hepcandme]

My platelets went up during treatment - to over 100, the first time in years! But then dropped immediately back down to 70 after treatment ended. Can you get a template infusion? I had that done twice during surgery. Surgeons really pay attention to platelet levels as it makes their job so much more difficult when they can't stop a routine bleed during surgery. Here's a link that provides some additional information:    https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/prevent.pdf
I'm guessing that my low platelet level is why they told me to avoid contact sports. A good diet is always great, a cleanse, or some Vitamin B12 or foods with lots of B12 and lots of water. Sesame seeds, oranges, papaya and spinach are all good things to add to your friendly liver diet
Be well Glen. Think about you a lot and am sending good thoughts your way!

[GP7852]

thanks a lot-I bought every one of the foods you mentioned and doubled my b-12.Sure hope I get some positive results.  Glen

[GP7852]

thanks can do
I guess I threw away a bunch of money today.Since I did buy this stuff I might as well use it.the papaya nectar might go well with my eggs. lol

[can-do-man]

Glen I really don't think there is anything short of a
Transfusion to help, and that won't happen. Being I'm Cirrotic and was in a trial I was told there is usually a 10% lead way as platelets can change somewhat at any draw. If you have past labs that show better levels you might shown them. Wishing you the best.

[GP7852]

Thanks Lynn
I have gone the natural route with info from the internet.I bought papaya juice,sesame oil,oranges for vitamin c and spinach.I am actually lower than 59 on my platelets so I am doing a crash course.I would die(literally) if I couldn't participate in the trial because of low platelets.

[GP7852]

Thanks Dee

[Dee1956]

Thanks Lynn!!

[flyinlynn]

Found this
http://www.livestrong.com/article/127280-foods-increase-blood-platelets/

But as far as some of the medicines they suggest I would be very cautious as the article is for the general public not for people with cirrhosis. Before taking any medicines check with your liver specialist

here is something from the Mayo clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytopenia/basics/causes/con-20027170

[GP7852]

Thank you lynn-this has been real useful for me

[Dee1956]

I don't think there is much you can do to raise them.  Unless your are taking Advil or Aspirin which would lower them.  Perhaps someone else might have an answer.

When I was taking Advil it really lowered my platelet level.