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New to List - Low Platelets Here are some of the Results

I got some of the results from the drs and was hoping that maybe someone could spot something to why the platelet count is always so low I have a feeling it may have to do with his spleen which is noted as being enlarged but I'm new and thought that maybe someone has been there and done this already.
Hepatitis C type 1
PCR 6.86
Hepatitis B surface antigen was negative, but B core and surgace antibodies were positive.


The liver bio showed micronodualr cirrhosis with moderate inflammatory activity.

In all the blood work done I show the Platelets Count  
higest at 102 and lowest at 40.

Glucose also seems to be high on most test

One person we know said that the counts level off when no acohol is consumed but I have not read anything about that anywhere. Drinking stopped completely when the news arrived we had this.

The current doctor is a Gastroenterolist who will not treat with a low platelet count.

Should a different type of Doctor be consulted? The regular Dr which is an Internist recommeded him, he is also doing weekly checks on his platelets and has given him one shot of K back in December, however I find that no follow up blood work was taken at that time. He consults the results with a blood specialist at the moment he has no concern over seeing us, and says treatment should be started.

We have an appointment with the Gast. in two weeks any suggetions on questions to ask.

Thanks, this is stil all so new and confusing.

Debbie

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Avatar universal
Thanks for the information from you all,, I think the stage that was asked had to do with the liver correct ? I don't recall seeing that on any of the papers, but I will ask the Dr at the next visit.. I think the doctor hates me already but what the heck I'm glad he's not treating me cuz at this point I think he would do me in questioning his every move. My hubby seems to just sit there and listen .. I ask a million questions all the time. I think he is still too freaked out to talk.

I did buy K vitamins for him last week at this point we figure what the h+++ it cant hurt. By the way he is 49 so I figured treatment will more than likely not be easy. And his work hours wont help. He swings 12 hour shifts. But if they will allow treatment he is more than willing to try. Unlike his brother who is just not interested. I think I will set up something with a blood Dr.

And just see who is willing. I may ask my brother in law for a list of other drs just to be ready too. But how do you know if the doctor is good or not ???

Debbie
Helpful - 0
91778 tn?1252555170
I have cirrhosis also and very low platelets, when mine dropped to 50. I bought some vitamin K on line at iherb.com  
Mine did go up 20 points next time they checked me. Good luck
Helpful - 0
131817 tn?1209529311
I would see a hepatologist. Some big name one. Perhaps someone here can give you some recommendations. Where do you live?

There is a drug to raise the platelet count, but dr's don't give it too often. You may ask about it.

You are right to seek the best tx and care now. If he is a stage 4? then it is time to start tx now, if possible.

As I said to you before, platelets do go up and down. Mine do.

Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, a different doctor is recommended, I'd see a Heptologist.
Try to find one who has a lot of experience with Hep patients. As to how low you can still treat, you'd have to see what the doc says but I know some people DO treat with low platelets. They do fluctuate as you have seen. Stopping alcohol can really help the situation overall so good you have done that.That is the single best thing you can do.
Keep in  mind that studies show Interferon treatment can improve the histology of the liver so I would think he would want to treat ASAP to start the healing and possiby reversal of damage process. Good liver friendly diet, ots of water, daily exercise all can help. I was told beets are helpful in raising platelets, don't know if it works or not. Mine have gone from a low of 86 pre tx. to 114 after 10 months of tx and ALT/AST have completely normalized. I take a multi vitamin w/o iron that is high in folic acid, the B vitamins, and niacin as instruccted by the doc.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
In the past few weeks results have been mostly 40's and 50's I worry because his job is physical and if he gets cut or hurt in any way I dont think anyone there knows he is that low
Helpful - 0
145315 tn?1192237513
Hi, I refuse to start the treatment six months ago. But lately I have been feeling very tired. At my age (59) I'm wondering if its going to be tougher for me than most of you. I have chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1a. My liver biopsy  showed significant fibrosis. I have stage 3 on the Knodell score which is equivalent to bridging fibrosis. I have stage 4/6 on the Ishak scoring system. I going into tx in a few weeks after I get educated. I have a new dr (second opinion) and he said I will be on interferon plus ribavirin. Is there anyone out there with similiar traits/situation. I am so scared that my blood pressure as risen. Is there hope for me.

Thanks

BayAreaWomen
Helpful - 0
131817 tn?1209529311
Hi again! Glad you posted again higher in the threads! There are several people here in that are in your shoes and I am sure they will come along and post. Sometimes weekends are slower around here. Keep coming back. You can always start your own thread as well.

With the stats you have I think you would want to treat now. It is scary and no picnic, but there are alot  of us here doing just that. I know that Jmjm is 59 and just finished tx and is SVR! He is very knowledgeable. There are others in stage 4 treating.

Starting treatment (tx) was very scary for me. I couldn't wait to start once I made up my mind. I put off tx for 5 years, but was not at your stage. I don't know what my stage is because my dr. didn't give me another biopsy since I decided to tx anyway.

Many of us are tired and had symptons. Most of us are in our 50's or 40's. I am 54. I started feeling tired all the time and had skin problems before starting.

All of us who are treating are on Interferon and Ribavarin. Some here have sides, others don't. Mine are pretty bad, but I want to rid myself of this virus and this is the only way right now.

As most will tell you tx is hard at times, but doable. We stick together and help one another and it helps immensely to get through.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The way it ws explained to me, liver damage caused the spleen to enlarge, whih causes the patelets to become "trapped" in your spleen whih in turn auses the low count in your blood serum. Hope that heps. Is it 102 now or 40 now? 40 is dangerously low.
Helpful - 0
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