What is a "normal" count?

My husband had chest pain monday, as well as other pain similar to the classic symptoms of a heart attack. he was diagnosed with ITP as a child, and has had occasional issues with it. he FINALLY went to see a doctor today, and was told that, although his heart appeared fine, his platelet count was a 6. his doctor won't allow him to go to work, wouldn't even allow him to walk to the car. he had to be taken out of the office in a wheelchair. I knew there was a problem, because since the incident on monday he's had the bloody pinprick spots all over his body...and i do mean ALL over. he's covered head to toe.

The doctor did not mention what a normal count was though....obviously his count was cause for concern, but i'd like to know how much concern, exactly. trying to look it up online by myself has only given me numbers like <10,000 is bad.

I'm sorry for not making a thread to introduce myself, or more thoroughly explain my husband's condition...i'm just very worried and am hoping for an answer ASAP.

Thank you.

Hi!

Normal platelet count range is 150K to 400K. Single digits spook many docs. Some folks see bleeding from nose, eyes, bladder or bowels at low numbers but many folks don't have active bleeding even then. Brain bleeds are the big risk at low counts.

Totally unscientifically, it may be that when the blood is thinned by scarce platelets, the heart has to work harder? Hope your husband sees a rebound soon! Ann, Caitlin's (24) Mom

Just to explain, a count of 6 really means 6,000. Please don't worry as many of us have had counts as low as that and just carried on our normal daily life. I was diagnosed with a count of 4 and just went back to work. They don't like us to stay that low though and tend to treat to get us a bit higher. While normal counts are over 150, a count of about 30 is considered safe and if we can stay at around there then the haematologists are usually happy.

What Ann said. Same with me - worked and drove around with count of 3. I did start treatment at that point (Prednisone). 30 is a safe count and most don't treat until they are under that.

A GP will get upset at low counts, but with ITP, people tend to have more large platelets and they do help the situation. Also, people with ITP tend to have platelet fragments that are not counted, and those help clotting as well.

Did they start him on any treatment?

It's so weird and scary when doctors act like they can hold you prisoner. And gives orders instead of explaining the situation and options. It's one thing to act that way in a trauma center, but when a person is walking around and in control they deserve to have explanations and options.

What treatments are they suggesting, and have you connected up with a hematologist?
Erica

My fist experience was confusing too in that at the local hospital I was 'banned' from moving from my bed even for the toilet and shower but the day I got transferred to the hemo department my freedom to roam was given back to me.

16 years later It even more so in some respects because I went in on 4 and next morning I was allowed home without a blood test though the instructions of ringing if developments etc. I am aware they look at how externally severe the symptoms were. On Boxing day it was 7 and yes I was allowed to to go on new year holiday when it was 12. My last test was 32. Andam hoping it hold on for next week for my teaching assignment I got to do for the course am on. I am teaching knotting for half an hour. am on 5mg prednisolone alternate days so it may be just reaction to that I hope.
A noraml count is considered to be between 200 and 400. Anything less then they watch depending on how much less. 32 is okayis though I bruise bit more vividly and that only came an issue as am also doing teaching assistants course with placement and one child asked me about my bruises. One was a result of the hemo blood test. But it was too warm to cover up.

My counts are currently at 7K. My last check they were at 10K or 12K and the doctor on duty at the clinic saw the results and flipped out. He asked that my husband take me to the hospital immediately and to make sure that I was wearing a bicycle helmet on the way. I explained to him that this is "normal" and he was still uncomfortable that I was not going to go the hospital.

I do appreciate the fact that he was so concerned for my well being though.

Kelly

I went to a new lab recently for blood work for my PCP. My platelet count was 50,000 and the lab paged my PCP after hours with the results. My PCP told them that was pretty good for me!
I usually don't get any bruising unless I'm under 10,000.


Debbie