ITP Forum Newbie With Questions

I am new here and I'm overwhelmed by all the information. I have had platelet numbers from 111 to the 130s (low range 150) since 2014, 3 years after I was first was diagnosed with afib and had been on DOAC anticoagulants to include Pradaxa and Eliquis. I don't know what my numbers were before 2013 when my PLT number was barely in range.

I read DOACS can move the PLT number down slightly. I also read my age, 76, can lower PLT count slightly too. 

I'm on rate control (Bystolic) and a DOAC (Eliquis) and no other drugs. So I've been in permanent afib since 2011. I'm concerned about bleed risk having 2 bleed risk factors. I don't bleed alot, but had petachiae on my ankles when I was on Pradaxa. There are still "remnants " from then. I've been on Eliquis for 3 years.

Questions:

1) My PCP and electrophysiologist (EP) told me that my PLT count is not a concern as it is stable. Is that true? The PCP said mine is an immune issue, based on my profile and blood work.

2) Where should I start? Food allergy tests? Environmental issues? Something else?

3) Anything else I should know?

Afib has so many causes or associations including genetic factors. They can identify triggers and associations, but not causes. My EP called my afib idiopathic as she doesn't know what caused it. I have no other heart issues and my total cholesterol runs a little under 130 or a little over. 

Thanks.

I did ask my hematologist about age (I'm old) and a lower count - he just absolutely LOVES blood, and I really like him and trust him - he said not really.

Only treatments I've had since diagnosis in 1989 are prednisone and 1 WinRho IV - my count right now surprised me and is good, not in range though.  So I can't talk to any other treatments, sorry.

Your 2nd question, why not ask your doctors?  I have a friend who is in the 130ks and does not have ITP, no concern from her PCP.   My hematologist isn't concerned if my count stays stable, that's what I want stable, but last year my count dropped to the low 50s before gum surgery and then he wanted more blood work to keep an eye on it that it wasn't going to drop further.  

I hope someone with more knowledge than me will see your post and answer.

Good luck - keep us posted!