Anyone else on Imuran/Azathioprine?

Ah yes, the stress of exams. That can't be good for counts. Good luck. Studying for something in the medical field?

In my earlier post what I was getting at was the possibility of Dapsone being a terrible idea. A possible Epstein Barr re-activation would be bad news. I guess I assumed they had a test for it. Don't really know. I think some folks test positive for it but never experienced overt symptoms. Also, I think CMV (HHV-5) symptoms can appear similar to EB virus symptoms as well.

Nope! I did want to go to Med school but I chose Computer Science last minute, I love both

I read the links and I don't think I have an EBV associated problem (or at least I am hoping, because while interesting, the links were definitely scary too). Maybe there's a possibility that Imuran caused my enlarged spleen? or maybe that's just how big my spleen is, I'm 5'8. I am not sure. I don't have any previous ultrasound results to compare the current measurements to.

As for my latest platelet count, it is 5. I have zero symptoms. Even my hemo was confused. Now I have to wait for the hematology department to organize everything for my splenectomy and call me with more details.

Computer Science? Is there any future in that, LOL. Are you far enough along to have a specialization area?

On that page listing enlarged spleen. I have to wonder if it is because of platelet sequestration, or, EBV doing damage to the organ is the reason for enlargement.

Supposedly, EBV is responsible for a number of diseases, especially Lupus and MS. I'm beginning to wonder if what one's immune system is fighting off when one gets EBV infection determines which of these diseases one can develop. It's mainly just chance and possibly little to no genetic influence.

Oh no. Aza did nothing. Blah. Good try and very brave of you.

Right!! :silly:
Nope, not far enough yet! I'm looking into internships currently, so hopefully that goes well.

I think it's probably just spleen sequestration, given that when I get IVIg my platelets jump to over 600, so I'm guessing it just destroys a LOT of them very fast. It's not palpable so that's good!

I haven't logged on for a while, but I do have good news!
My hemo called me last Monday and told me to come to the hospital the day after for the prep for my splenectomy.
I had a 4 day dexa pulse and went into surgery this Monday with a count of 144. It was laparoscopic and 2 days later my count was 330 (at first I misheard 530 LOL). Going for a dressing change and another cbc tomorrow.

Neve
I hope you win your gamble
Good Luck

Excellent Neve! That is fantastic news. I like the 144 after the Dex pulse too. It proves you continue to have full response to steroids - and haven't lost response. You've also got age on your side.

Cheers to a long remission.

Thank you both!!! I've actually had to start taking aspirin since my count went over 1mil :lol:

That's a lot of platelets. You probably don't need that many and that many could last me for a long, long time. Can you send me some :evil: