Low platelet count - how low would make you worry

[hepcandme]

I recently had 2 surgeries - my platelet count the first time was 70 (early December) . This last time, a week ago, it was 59

During both procedures, my surgeon gave me platelets intravenously during the surgery so clearly she was concerned with the low number. I always think of normal as around 140 but is 59 Too low? Below 50?

Have people monitored platelet levels exclusively while on treatment? How do you tell if they are dropping? Do you feel or have symptoms of anemia?

I'm done with the surgeries, btw
Thank you to everyone for their support and thoughts

[Jk12345]

I would just keep an eye on it periodically but working in a hospital we see people run chronically low they even discharged a patient with a platelet count of 10,000 or lower if it's chronic they usually aren't too worried as long as your not dropping a ton but you stil need to be careful with things that could cause injury but don't stress too much! Like I said just be careful with things that could cause injury otherwise live your life and follow up as you would with your docs :)

[flyinlynn]

Hi Linda

Have my first 1200 mg of Riba swimming with my Harvoni today.

So far nothing to report I am mor econcerned about my hemoglobin counts my doctor has added extra blood tests for CBC so will be checking after 1 week of riba.

Good luck to you

You've got this!
Lynn

[hepcandme]

Thanks for everyone's great comments.

I haven't actually started the Harvoni treatment yet. I'm in the hurry up and wait stage

Before my treatment was delayed for a few months, I had been scheduled to add the Riba with the Harvoni, the efficacy of which we have discussed extensively here

I am meeting with my team next week and just want to understand what this low platelet count will mean since platelets can be affected by Riba. Whether it is something that I should be concerned about.

Platelets infused during surgery raise levels of platelets for only about 3-4 days

I just reviewed my platelet counts for the last 3 years and they have never been higher than 80. Sadly, this must be caused by the cirrhosis

I don't drink, take any NSAIDS or meds of any kind that would adversely affect liver function or platelet count

Will see what the docs say. Thank you as always for the great info and giving me some ideas of what research I need to conduct

~ Linda

[Livelife777]

Linda.  Everyone has said what I have read regarding platelets.  I think you have to get concerned if they hit 20,000.  Avoid any blood thinning agents such as alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen as these typically can be found in everyday products.
I did not think that you are taking Riba, but only Harvoni?  Should Riba be in the picture your platelets can swing either way.  I'm typically in the low 100s, but while on Riba mine went up to 200+.  Don't believe that's the norm but a few of us on Medhelp did experience this elevation.
Once Tx is over your platelets will go back to your prior #.  At 6 months post Tx they should start to rise.  Mine post Tx went from 118-134.  A do believe alot of that tho has to do with degree of Cirrhosis.
There is nothing that I know of that will increase platelets.  Supposedly (sketchy) leafy greens will raise them but think that's just a temporary fix.  The concern with low platelets is fear from an accidental deep cut or internal bruise.  You can bleed under the skin as well as surface bleeds.  Just be careful till Tx is over and you see an increase.  As stated if worrisome a transfusion will help but that is also temporary.
Don't know your varacies issues.  You may want to see what your Hepa has to say regarding that complication.
Yes I know its alot to take in but when your cured from the Harvoni you can take a breath and relax.  You have seen the worst of it and once you reach SVR its all uphill.
Just know we are all rooting you on!
.....Kim

[dontworry_behappy1]

Nose bleeds are common in people with very low platelets.

[AWorriedMom]

While interferon can cause low platelets, so can cirrhosis. My information is that a spontaneous bleed can occur with platelets below 20,000. As you have already experienced, when someone with thrombocytopenia needs surgery, the doctor can ask for a transfusion of platelets. Low hemoglobin can be caused by ribavirin. Both of these conditions can be caused by cirrhosis alone.

Platelets are monitored during treatment but they are also monitored in people with late stage liver disease. With platelets at 50,000 you should be careful when using razors, or other sharp objects, as one can bleed easily from a tiny cut. Hopefully, if yu are treating and you get an SVR, your platelets may rise as time goes on.