Hello
Im new here. 59yrs old, ive not been feeling so great for a while and recently had a diagnosis of Pernicious Anaemia with a very low b12 level due to malabsortion. Now on twice weekly injections.
As part of the various blood tests my full blood count is again abnormal, and this has slowly been getting worse over the past 4 years. Results today say Abnormal and to speak to Dr.
They were abnormal in January (and previous tests) but GP wasnt concermed when I questioned it.
My numbers are higher this time and im quite concerned there is a problem
Red cell count 5.15 (3.8 - 4.8)
Platelets 456 (150 -410)
Heamogobin 162 (120-150)
Hematocrit 0.49 (0.36-0.46)
Folate 25 but I am on supplements
white blood cell are normal, as is ferritin.
Every full blood count the numbers are rising, platelets particularly has jumped from 377 normal in Jan to 456.
I was diagnosed with bladder cancer 3 years ago but this is currently ok and hasn’t returned so of course im extra wary of any health issues.
Hi @Kimmy66 I can imagine that you are extra wary of any health issues hence welcome to our support forum.
It is so difficult as I know my results can change for various reasons and it could be something or nothing. I also realise that my clinician takes much more into account when making a diagnosis.
I also take responsibility for reminding each clinician of my other medical history.
Personally I find writing down all my fears, questions etc. before an appointment (or making an appointment) helps me feel more in charge of the situation.
I have learnt to be pleasantly assertive and not to leave a consulting room until I am satisfied.
If I am not satisfied I might be asking for a second opinion or referral.
The main thing is to really look after and be kind to yourself.
Please do let us know how you get on.
Thank you Erica, that’s helpful, hopefully its nothing and im trying not to self diagnose but without pushing my GP, my cancer and other health conditions wouldnt have been found.
We really do have to be our own advocates don’t we ?
Hello @Kimmy66
Thank you so much for your post.
We are sorry to hear that you are going through a worrying time.
We are unable to give individualised medical advice, however, we would advise checking again with your GP to see if they are required to be repeated as platelets can go up and down depending on numerous factors, such as inflammation/ infection and autoimmune conditions. If they are consistently raised the GP should perhaps seek advice from haematology. Depending on which reference scale they use can give slightly varied results, so please do check with your local guidance/ GP surgery as some reference ranges for haemoglobin state 115 – 165 for women and platelet counts as 150–450, but do double check and explain to your GP that this is causing you concern, they may suggest getting your bloods rechecked in a few weeks.
I also second Erica in that getting a second opinion if you are feeling dissatisfied with your care could also be an option, for example from a different GP in the surgery.
If you would like to talk any of this through with our team, please get in contact on 0808 2080 888