Blood Platelets

[anniej55]

Hi all,

I just rec'd a call from my primary care - my platelets are still low (88, 82 last time) and she wants me to see hematologist. My spleen is fine according to a CAT scan (and everything else was fine with that). I am, once again, scared out of mind thinking it might be cancer. Can celiacs cause the low platelets? She did say (after I asked) that there is no evidence of any other auto-immune diseases.

My appt is for the 14th .... I'm ready to chuck this diet and eat and drink what I want to. I know it won't be worth it in the long run ....

Ann

[jknnej]

Hi there,

I wish I knew something about your situation-but don't freak yourself out!

I don't know what it means to have low platelets but I know that I often worry too much about something that will turn out to be nothing.

I hope someone else hear knows about this so they can help reassure you-

We're here if you need us!

[anniej55]

Thanks for the reply ... wish my doctor was caring. I'm searching for a new one, one that knows and deals with celiacs. She's probably a good diagnostician, but stinks in bedside manner and in explaining things.

Ann

[VydorScope]

Ann dont panic! I been to a hemotogist and thres nothing to be scared of. Sit down now, while your home and comfortable and write up a list of questions to ask the doc when you get there. Bring that list with you so you dont forget anything, and you can be more organized. This also gives you a place to write answers down to review later. Do the same when you see any doctor. Asking lots of questions is the only way you will get your answers.

Do you have a specific concern we here can help with ahead of time?

[VydorScope]

Some info for you...

Platelets are irregularly-shaped, colorless bodies that are present in blood. Their sticky surface lets them, along with other substances, form clots to stop bleeding.

When bleeding from a wound suddenly occurs, the platelets gather at the wound and attempt to block the blood flow. The mineral calcium, vitamin K, and a protein called fibrinogen help the platelets form a clot.

Since celiac disease causes malnutrition, I would assume that a low platelet count is a possible system.

[anniej55]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. Specific concern? Keeping my sanity and not thinking that they're looking for something more serious.

OK .... so if my doctor put me on 50,000 of vitamin D 3X a week because of malasorption, then it isn't a leap to come to the conclusion that my blood work is low (platelets, rbc, wbc) because of 1. Poor eating habits both before and after the celiac diagnosis and 2. no matter what I ate it didn't do me any good! And maybe once we get this whole thing straightned out it might go back to normal?

And to make things a littler clearer for you all (as to why I'm just slightly over the edge on this) ... my husband, at the age of 38, was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer in May of 1992 and died in July of 1992 .... they'd been poking around trying to figure out what his problem was from January 1992 on. He wasn't proactive ... and so I'm just plain old scared. The doctor didn't understand ... but you are all so kind that I'm figuring you know what's going on inside my head.

Ann

[VydorScope]

OK .... so if my doctor put me on 50,000 of vitamin D 3X a week because of malasorption, then it isn't a leap to come to the conclusion that my blood work is low (platelets, rbc, wbc) because of 1. Poor eating habits both before and after the celiac diagnosis and 2. no matter what I ate it didn't do me any good! And maybe once we get this whole thing straightned out it might go back to normal?

Absolutly reasonable. In fact no matter WHAT is wrong with you, a healthy blanced diet is a good move. I would suggest you get to work on your diet, go ahead and get it gluten-free, all those grains you will be cutting out are not that healthy to begin with. Go to the doctors, talk to them, ask questions, etc, but get your diet uncontrol ASAP. Mark your calander, 6 months of healthy eating, then ask for all your blood tests to be redone. I personly believe no matter what your issue is, it will be at least somewhat helped by that plan, and certinly not hurt!

[anniej55]

Hi All,

I finally emailed my doctor ... and she said the lab work abnormality could indicate either Lupus or ITP - Idiopathic Thromocytopenic Purpura. Neither is wonderful, but certainly better then what I was thinking I had.

And to think that one month ago I was fine, absolutely fine ... and still feel that way today! Two good days in a row .....

Ann