Platelet Count

[denisef714]

In Feb 2010 I did some bloodwork and my platelet count was 257 thous/ul and I started treatment 5/21/10 well on 6/2/10 they did another CBC and it seems as if my platelet count is 145 thous/ul . Is this something I should be worried about?

[hoocbud2]

I've had low platelets all though treatment my highest level was 68 lowest was 19.  I'm on shot 46 this Friday  They have keep me on promatic through the treatment. It's a platelet builder. I have had blood issues with treatment all along.  They have recuse drugs that you may want to check into instead of stopping treatment.  They stop my treatment the first time at shot 4, I had to start all over when my platelets hit above 50.  

Good Luck
hopefully your doctor is aggressive and will do what is necessary to keep you going.  Don't get me wrong the rescue drugs do not make tx easier they only help to keep you in treatment.

Debi    

[nygirl7]

(Someone on this forum once said you could clinically cure a geno 2 with water!) "

Please understand that while you have the most fortunate of all the geno's to have well... ask some of the members on this forum who have relapsed with geno2 and then had to retreat again for 48 more weeks.  it's terrific to be optimistic but you have to take this seriously too.  While a relapse rate of 20% is much better than the 50% for geno1 - it's still a very, very serious thing and you have to make sure to take your meds in full, on time, every time.

You have the odds in your favor but must remember that this is a tricky disease and you can't let your guard down for one minute.

Do everything you have to do to win this battle and take this as seriously as if the odds were lower, in other words fight this battle as hard as you can.  You only want to do this treatment one time.  I agree with the others call that doc and make sure you get your 4 week PCR in addition to all the other labs.  Testing every few months is just ludicrous and not acceptable at all.  You need to know what is going on inside at all times as some of the things can have serious repercussions (as Bill said the thyroid for example)  When you get the test results (call and ask for them to be faxed over asap) post them up in here and the older members will show you which ones to keep an eye on and what they mean.  It can make the difference between failure and success believe it or not.

[denisef714]

Thanks everyone. I will be on the horn 1st thing this morning.

[can-do-man]

Testing every 4 weeks for now would be ideal, surely being a geno 2 your doctor is going to do a 4 week pcr??? That would be my biggest concern right now. As for your platelets don't worry about that. Mine run 80, to 90 thousand off tx and got as low as 29 on tx.

cando

[portann]

Denise, I'm with you about your decision to call your doc tomorrow and insist on at least four week lab tests.

You have such great predictors being young and female and to boot, having 'dream' genotype 2. (Someone on this forum once said you could clinically cure a geno 2 with water!)

So yes, success is knocking at your door but I hope you will take the bull by the horns and arrange to be monitored more closely.  You want to complete your twenty-four weeks securely, knowing your numbers are no lower than they should be (which can be surprisingly low compared to off-treatment).

Best of luck with that phone call tomorrow and let us know how you do.

Susan

[Bill1954]

Oops;

Thrompocytopenia above should be spelled thromBocytopenia.

[Bill1954]

Denise, platelets are integral with clotting. If they become exceptionally low, there’s a risk for spontaneous bleeding. I don’t believe you are at any specific risk at 145,000; but as they drop, the possibility increases.

Most of us are monitored at 4 week intervals, minimum. This includes complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and some doctors, including mine, did monthly viral load tests. They should also monitor thyroid periodically; every three months is generally sufficient, unless you have existing issues. Thyroid function can be checked with TSH testing. If you have problems with Hgb, neuts, platelets, semi-monthly labs might be a good idea.

Call the doc and give ‘em the dickens :o)

--Bill

[denisef714]

I still well you know once a month is that going to an issue

[denisef714]

I have no idea when my next labs are hopefully in about 2 weeks if I get my way. Dr says no need for blood except ever 2 to 3 mos. I told the nurse even pegisist has a place in there journal the sent me for labs after 4 weeks. So what you are saying try not to cut myself. I am calling Dr tommorrow about this and demanding a 4 week check

[spectda]

My starting level was 150k (I don't know where it's at now) You are just slightly below the normal range.

[Bill1954]

Denise, interferon can cause a temporary reduction in platelet count; this is known as thrompocytopenia. It typically resolves shortly after therapy is completed; I’m unaware of any long term problems myself. Platelets at 145k are still robust; I don’t think they’d dose reduce or terminate treatment until they are around 25-30 thousand. Don’t run through the house with scissors, though, just in case :o).

And if you require any dental work or unexpected surgery, be sure to discuss this with them in advance.  

If it were me, I’d watch and nudge the doc if it continues but I bet it’ll level off soon. When are your next scheduled labs?

--Bill