Question

I can't find the tab that had a list of what can cause "problems" with our platelets - so........

Does anyone take baby aspirin? If I go ahead with knee surgery next month I'm supposed to take a baby aspirin 2x a day for 30 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots. I do have an email in to my hematologist about this but I'm not sure if she will even know.

My question would be - if taking baby aspirin daily has that had an impact on your platelets?

Hmm... It appears the site has undergone a redesign. I didn't even notice until you mentioned not finding that list and I went looking for it. Information is very hard to find now. Change is just different, not always good.

Here's the page you're looking for: pdsa.org/outside-influences.html
Seems odd that aspirin isn't on it. I don't pretend to be an expert; but from what I've learned, aspirin doesn't affect count, but does inhibit platelet aggregation - the ability to clot.

You're going to need professional guidance with this. I'd like to think your hemo will know, but doctors constantly surprise me with their lack of knowledge.
Good luck with the surgery.

This part is a balancing act, Melinda. Aspirin doesn't lower the platelet count, but it does inhibit clotting (as you know). It should only be a problem if your counts are below 50k. I've had several doctors suggest baby aspirin as long as my counts were above that. You can check with your hemo to be sure, but I think I'd fear immobility and clotting more.

Janet - thank you for the link to that page - why in the heck it would be called "outside-influences" is beyond me Even if I had seen that link I wouldn't have thought to go there!

The reason I say my hematologist might not know is because she didn't think my low Immunoglobulin G [treatable stage - but with A & M ok treatment at this time isn't necessary] was anything and was not going to check it ever again until I told her I wanted it checked. When I saw her this year & questioned why it was dropping again she told me that isn't something she knows about and sent me to an immunologist - you would think a hematologist/oncologist would know about blood! However I do have an email in to her but she is out of the office. Appreciate your reply!

Sandi thanks - that is good to hear that several doctors have suggested baby aspirin if your counts are above 50k - my count recently was 108k. She had mentioned last year that she'd be ok with 50k for brain surgery, and last month she told me 100k for knee replacement, that doesn't make sense. You are right - priorities, and no blood clot/s is a very high priority!! And I appreciate your reply too!

Aspirin and baby aspirin lower my counts even when they are over 50K. So, depends on how you react and what is going on.

Thank you b2h - I have not had any kind of aspirin or NSAIDs since diagnosed in 1989 so I have no idea how my platelets will react.

Heard from my hematologist today and she said it should be fine if count above 50k - would like me to come see her before surgery and then to get a count done 2x a week those 4 weeks I'm taking the baby aspirin. That latter could be a problem since I won't be able to drive, will be icing & exercising and whatever else goes with knee replacement.

I also avoid NSAIDs.

I hope all goes well with your surgery and recovery.

Thanks b2h - appreciate your thoughts!