Dentist

I managed to make it to the dentist today which quite pleased about having cancelled the previous appointment due to ITP.

two questions please.
OneWhat is the safe level of platelets for them to carry out an extraction?
Though could have had it done before now but as I hadn't had anymore pain as such I didn't go back though know in my heart this needs doing?

Two He asked me have I had an 'Iron' test recently
I did ask him to repeat it because I was suprised and foolishly told him haven't had any done recently thinking he had said something else. And that word has totally gone from me. Is he indicating that I should go and get an Iron test done....? I don't have any mouth sores etc and he looked to be looking at the xray of my tooth in question at the time so don't know where he is coming from. (nothing was said at my last FBC count about Iron...)
Any advice please though I know from the past I can have anemic issues when platelets are low - enough to finish the course of immunogloblin and then give me full blood transfusion (that didnt happen every time)

If I should have a test then should I contact my GP or contact Heamatology department please?

I once asked my dentist that question, and he said he would be fine doing it at 50. But, every doctor, dentist, country etc is different. As for the iron question, I really can't help you there.

Good luck with the extraction!

My dentist said I had to be at 50 to have any work done.
Erica

My hematologist claims that he can tell whether I'm anemic based on the red blood cell size, which I think is given on a CBC. My family doctor disagrees with this, but I think she's also interested in the iron stores (ferritin). So I think that if you were seeing a hematologist regularly they would probably know if you were anemic, but as we all know, everyone makes mistakes, so it might be a good idea to ask about it.

Lily

When I had to have my wisdom teeth pulled a couple of years ago (had to have 2 done) he required that I be above 100....

thank you for the answers and think he actually said Iodene? rather than Iron. Iron sounded too short in my memory of what he said. A quick read and so far as I know my thyroid is fine but I see the GP nurse on monday for asthma clinic - ears cleaning and wart treatment (3 for the price of one:) ) so I may as well ask them why the dentist asked me. Aparently some articles gone out in the british press too about women have too low iodene leves etc... well since am at the sugery anyways and I though like you did - with anemia - my heamatologist would know far better than I do and I am not getting that lathergic tiredness when I had anemia one time with low platelets. I couldn't even read as didnt have enough interest though I made myself as was nothing to do in hospital in those days... not that long ago actually.

Thanks and yes the extraction be okay - far better than any filling in my book judging by one experience had at the hospital. fillings are :evil: Last tested my count was 236 but that was two weeks ago. Well - so long as I don't see any spots on that day of extraction it will be okay though when I get the spots it under 10 every single time. That my first sign usually in the past - though been different this year as had the blood blisters first and slight bleeding of gums. Perhaps I should request the hospital or because it was painless there and smooth.... and in the right place if platelets were low perhaps though only local hospital and only takes 5 minutes if that.
Thanks everyone