No experience of platelet transfusion before an op but @Unclejack had the suggestion of transfusion for a dr talk procedure. Years ago a haematology consultant reassuringly told me I could have a hip operation with a platelet count of 80 - not that o needed one!
I’m sure the clinicians will want to be sure that your husband’s platelet count is safe enough for an operation of this type. Platelet transfusions for surgical procedures must be fairly commonplace for people with low platelets. I hope the operation goes well and your husband recovers well.
PS @Logsie Apparently alcohol does lower platelet counts but not sure how much a “few beers” means!!
Maybe request another full blood count just before the operation when the platelets may have recovered -if they’d been affected?
@Lyndam@Sisi@Erica
Good to see you all at the LC meeting today. It was a nice size for a group offering peer support. Sorry your dental appointment was cancelled @Lyndam. @Erica I’m still in awe of your sheer output of support as I hadn’t realised you also have a volunteer role with LC as well as this Forum. I was beginning to wonder if you were a real person or a Forum Chatbot! But now I’ve seen you in real life, just wanted to say thank you for all the hours you must put in to give comfort.
@Logsie@ChrissyD@Sisi@Lyndam@Willow@Erica
Hi all,
I had a broken tooth removed just before last Xmas. The lead up to the procedure carried out in hospital was frustrating to say the least. At the time my platelet were 49. They had been around 40. Initially haemotologist said not to carry out procedure if platelets below 50. After the extraction I was given a mouthwash to help stem bleeding and pills to take to help clotting.
No problem with the extraction or bleeding everything went well. BUT less than a week later I had a minor stroke (Tia) in hospital for 3 days. MRI scan revealed no damage done. But if I had another extraction I would only take the clotting pills if absolutely necessary. I had to think hard about writing this response as perhaps the medication was not linked to my Tia and I didn’t want to cause you any stress. Then I thought if it happened and I hadn’t alerted you to my experience I wouldn’t have forgiven myself. The Tia arrived with no warning no headache nothing. I just couldn’t string a sentence together total confusion. Anyway hope everything goes well and it probably will.
I had another Tia some years ago so perhaps I am prone to this. Also the stroke doctor said there is a certain type of migraine that mimicks a Tia making a diagnosis difficult
Bestwishes uncle jack.
@Erica@ChrissyD@Sisi@Lyndam@Willow@Logsie
Morning all,
Had a dreadful night my calf and foot kept me awake all night only became bearable after I got up. Hospital doctor was convinced it was the ankle injury causing the problem and it will subside. I just don’t think this will end well. But I have the feeling that pursuing this any further will lead to psychiatrist appointment. The strange thing is this injury is causing me far more grief than my Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) has up to now. I think they think I am crackers at the hospital.
Bestwishes to all unclejack
P.S. I have read that alcohol suppreses platelets so I limit my drinking to a couple of drinks a week about 8 units. I also read that platelets life is about 7 days so as in my experience levels can yo yo quickly! I considered eating pomegranate as they are platelet supporting then I found out pomegranate can react to statins. My cholesterol level is now 1.8 yet medics still recommend I keep taking them!!
Thankyou all for your responses. We’ve come to terms with the fact that a blood transfusion before an op might well be standard procedure for people with low platelets. Interesting what you all say about platelets….so we are a lot more positive. Next week we have an appt at Kings college London to meet the consultant who is our second opinion. Hope this is as positive as our last visit to our local haematologist . @Unclejack we hope you have a better nights sleep and hopefully you can put this all behind you as you heal x
Dear @Logsie
Really glad you asked the question about your husband’s operation and I do hope it all goes well. It is standard to support invasive procedures like operations with platelet transfusions, particularly when they are below 100. It is to prevent excessive bleeding but also to promote healing after surgery.
The drop in platelet levels could be due to many factors and whilst it may seem significant the levels are viewed over many tests (over weeks and months) to see the tempo of the blood counts.
Alcohol consumption would only be a considered cause if it was of high volume/frequency over long periods so I suspect that a few beers would not affect the results. Very important though to hydrate well and stick to the medical advice around alcohol of course.
Sometimes platelets can be slightly lower when we have a virus underlying or even due to sampling.
I know it is hard not to worry but by having the platelet support the aim in to minimise bleeding and ensure your husband is on the road to recovery very soon. Do speak to his Haematology team if you are concerned.
Take good care
Gemma
Sending positive thoughts to you & your calf & ankle! Rest up & take care xx
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