Going to the Hematologist for the first time...

So this morning at 11:45 I am going to the hematologist for the first time. I am scared. I have had lower platelets for at least 20 years. Never were low enough to do anything but I need a diagnosis. My current labs from Nov 2010 have my platelets at 108. Before that 128, 108, 178, 135, 208, 108(right after I gave birth in 2006).

I don't know what to ask. I have Hasimoto's Hypothyroidism (autoimmune). Diagnosed in 1990. This is such an unknown for me. I am scared and the what ifs are creeping in. I also suffer from Panic and Anxiety Disorder.

If anyone could help with with some questions I would greatly appreciate it. As I am on the verge of a panic attack I can't seem to think straight.

Thanks

Kim

Hello Kim
Welcome to the boards. What's the reason for you visit to the doc? I don't have any knowledge about Hasimotos at all. Sorry. I do have some experience with Panic-Anxiety. Don't go in with any preset expectations, except good ones! Do you have someone going with you? In the long run, it's gonna be ok. Stay strong, and let us know how it goes.

Hi Kim, pitty you. My husband is on a weekly follow up. Count at 2 - 3k for the past 4 mths. It is not a good feeling to step in the hospital, but just have to. At first I panic, I cried. A long the way (since June 2010)I search net for more info, I list down the questions, queries and discuss with the Hema. Sorry, I don't know how to advise you...but I can understand your feeling.

I am going to be finally diagnosed. I want answers. But I don't think I am gonna walk out with anything today.

So can anyone explain to me what to expect for my first visit. I have prior labs, etc. But will they do a blooddraw there? It is frightening to try and get my head around.

Kim

Hi Kim,

Every hematologist will operate a bit differently, but I am sure they will want to do a blood draw, as counts can change quite rapidly. They say that even 10 minutes later, your count might be a number of points + or -.
Blood draws are never anyone's favorite, but usually the Hema lab techs are pretty good at it, and it won't hurt much or for long.

Hopefully, your hematologist will take a thorough history, and perhaps help you narrow down anything that may be contributing to your lowered platelets. It could be that it is a side effect of a medication that you might be taking for your Hashimotos, or even some OTC medicine you've been taken, like Tylenol, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, Cold and Cough medicines, etc. All of these and many others can lower platelets, especially in those already prone to lower platelets.
Sometimes vaccinations have triggered ITP. Most commonly the MMR. DPT and the flu shot, especially this year's version, which contains the seasonal and the H1N1.

But, honestly, your platelets are not dangerously low at all. It looks like you just tend to be on the lower side of normal, but not all that far off. I mean, SOMEONE has got to be in the lower range, right?
More than likely, your hema will decide not to give you any kind of treatment, but will want to continue to monitor you on a 2 or 3 month basis (I'm sort of guessing here, but, as I said, you are still at really good numbers.)

And, no active treatments may be in your best interest, anyway. If you read through the posts on this site, you will find that the treatments often seem worse than the risks of low platelets, and in some cases, may even contribute to them going lower, still. Quite a few have opted to take a more watch and wait approach, and only treating when they have troubling symptoms, rather than according to the numbers.

There are widely varying approaches here. Read and learn, and see what appeals to you, use your good instincts. Don't let yourself be scared into doing anything in the form of treatment, until you've had a chance to fully educate yourself about it. You are in the minority of those that find out they have ITP, in that you are still at very safe counts. You do have the luxury of time, that most do not. And remember, the ultimate decision of what to do is up to you. You can find a wealth of information and first hand experiences on here, so spend some time browsing.

Let us know how it goes.
April

Hi Kim. It sounds like you might just have mild ITP. Since it's been going on for so long, it will probably just be this way - some people just have below normal counts and they don't have to do anything different in life except monitor counts a bit more often. Nothing to worry about.

Let us know what he says and try to stay calm. Your counts are really good and safe.