I’m really concerned about my son, aged 13. About 6 weeks ago he developed a small amount of petechaie on his feet. After a few weeks of worry and it not going away, I took him to the gp who did a full blood count which came back completely normal apart from slightly low vitamin D. GP was happy and said to come back for repeat bloods in 3 months to check vitamin D after taking supplements. She said there were no markers for blood cancer. This was about three weeks ago and since then the petechaie on his feet disappeared but then a new patch came up on his shoulder and then another on his thigh. These both went within a few days. Today he has new petechaie spots on his feet, one of which is quite large. There seems to be no explanation. He has no other symptoms but also has had a sore throat for a few days which he picked up from his brother. I can’t shake the feeling that this is something sinister although I do suffer from health anxiety so want to take him back to the GP. Will they do another blood test so soon?
Hi @Kp1981 welcome to our forum, I am so glad that you have found us.
Obviously you are a very caring parent who is very anxious about your boy.
Perhaps the question you ask only your GP knows what they are going to do if you go back to them now., all tests are there to rule conditions out or in. Your GP has already done a full blood count which has come back completely normal and is due to repeat them, plus Vit D levels in 3 mths.
What made you think that your son might have leukaemia, if you do not mind me asking?
You say you have health anxiety and perhaps your GP might be able to help you with your health anxiety as well.
Please do let us know how you get on, waiting and not knowing are horrible feelings.
Be very kind yo yourselves and please do let us know how you get on.
Thank you so much for replying. I suppose the fact that the petechiae are recurring with no explanation is what worries me. I am awaiting CBT for health anxiety so appreciate that I might not thinking rationally about this. I think I have fallen down a Google rabbit hole and whenever I google petechiae, all I see is worst case scenarios.
So glad you are awaiting CBT @Kp1981 I found it helped me, but it was not a quick fix, it took time.
Perhaps being down a Google rabbit hole isn’t the best place for you to be, there can be some misleading information down there, yes, all you pick up on is the worst scenarios.
If you would like to speak to someone the Blood Cancer UK support line is there for you on 0808 2080 888 and so are we.
Look after yourselves
Hi there
It’s a worrying time as a mum and having anxiety when your babies are poorly and we have no medical knowledge and rely on the GP to guide us
If it was me I would be asking my GP if it’s the sore throat (infection) causing the petechiae
Hi @Kp1981,
It may be worthwhile asking your GP for a list of ordinary day to day things that could cause these spots and then you could go through a process of elimination.
You could also ask if there are preventative measures that you could encourage your son to take.
I suggest you get more info on the blood tests already completed and ask your GP why the blood tests they have done rule out anything sinister and how long for. Just to help put your mind to rest.
I hope this helps and that you get help for your anxiety soon. I did CBT for anxiety via Talking Therapies and it was very effective.
You are obviously a great mother and your son is very lucky to have you fighting his corner.
I have learnt that whatever I think, they are just my thoughts (and not reality) that move through my head like clouds in the sky.
Dear @Kp1981,
Welcome to the forum, I am sorry to read the concerns you are having with your son’s health and also your own health anxiety. I am glad you are accessing some help for this as that can be so debilitating in itself.
I would say that it is not unreasonable to go back to the GP and have another conversation, have they explored any other cause of the rash? Is your son well in himself? I have attached here our pages on blood cancer signs and symptoms in case it is useful - Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK
Perhaps it might be good to give us a call? We can talk through your worries and help you make a plan of action. Our number is 0808 208 0888. We would be very happy to help.
Best Wishes,
Heidi J (Support Services Nurse)
Thank you for your replies. He is well in himself apart from a cough which has been through the whole family. No fatigue, eating well, not pale etc. I took him back to the dr who said they didn’t think it was worth repeating blood now as the rash is fading anyway and was only a few spots. I think it’s probably more of a health anxiety issue to be honest so I have been in touch with a therapist. I really appreciate you taking time to respond though so thank you again.