Let me off the Roller coaster

Last time I blogged here my platelets were sitting on 380 and things were looking sweet. It seemed the operation had been a great success and I was thrilled to be getting off the Prednisone.

Unfortunately since then things have, once again, got a bit complicated.

We had expected my platelets to drop a bit and settle. Mine, however decided to drop a lot more than "a little".

It has been five weeks since the splenectomy.

On Monday this week as I was getting really for bed I noticed patches of petechiae on my chest. This is red flag for me and I was instantly concerned even while trying to convince myself it was probably nothing. The following morning (3rd May) I went and had a blood test.

That evening my GP rang me and told me my platelets had dropped to 38!!

I told him I'd ring my hematologist the following morning and see what she advised. As luck would have it she rang me early the next day.

I asked her "Are we worried?"
She said, "That depends."

She asked if I'd been unwell with a cold or viral infection. No on all counts. I haven't been sick. She suggested I get another blood test that same day so we would have an indication of what my platelets were doing.

I did as she requested and she rang me again later that afternoon. My platelets had dropped again to 30. A small drop, but a drop none the less.

She suggested that I go in for an outpatient appointment on Friday and have another blood test prior to that appointment.

In the interim I've developed more patches of tiny petechiae and small bruises.

Friday (6th) I went in for my appointment. My platelets had risen very slightly to 36.

So where does that leave us?

It was suggested to me that it might be possible the platelets might stablise around the 30-40 mark, which is not ideal but not uncommon for ITP patients.

I declined the offer to put me back on Prednisone. I have no desire to go back on the steroids if I can avoid it.

I'm to go back for an other blood test and check up next Friday to assess where we're at and if necessary plan any steps going forward.

So now we're in the midst of a waiting game.

Will my platelets hold steady, go up again or plummet?

I hate this uncertainty. Every time I discover new spots or new bruises I can't help but worry that it means my levels are dropping again.

Just when you think the roller coaster ride has come to an end life straps you back in and throws the switch. "Life. Just so you know, I'd like to get off now. Thanks."