Raised/High Platelet for four years

I’m a 71 year old female. I have annual blood checks because I have an underactive thyroid and am on thyroxine. Very well controlled for the past 25 years. For the last seven years I have been on a low dose medication for high blood pressure, and three years ago I was started on a low dose statin as my cholesterol was just above 5. Weight had been steady for years and I am active. I suffer with painful knees, one much worse than the other with pain in the hip and lower back on that side. Haven’t had any scans but been advised that I have spinal stenosis and mild osteoarthritis in t he knees. Rheumatoid factor done two years ago was negative.

For the past four years my annual full blood count has had to be repeated because the platelet count registers outside the normal range for our local lab (370). Four years ago it was 383 but it has gradually crept up to 412. CRP and ESR levels have all been well within normal limits. This year my cholesterol has risen too. GP practice wants me to increase my statins but doesn’t seem interested in exploring the platelet count. I have quite a colourful family history in terms of cancer and cardiovascular disease (not that the GP has enquired). GP reckons my platelet count is normal for me but it never resulted in repeat bloods until four years ago.

Not sure where to go with this or, as a retired nurse/health visitor, am I simply over-reacting?

2 Likes

Hi @Gilly1 welcome to our forum, which you do not know if you will need or not.
Yes, sometimes it is difficult when you have medical knowledge isn’t it.
Reading your post really emphasised to me what complex unique individuals we all are.
Also how one medication can affect another condition.
Personally when I was first diagnosed my GP told me to take responsibly for my conditions and family history and I know inform everyone of everything.
What would give you peace of mind?
Perhaps you might want to have another talk to your GP?
Perhaps you might consider asking your GP to refer you to a haematologist?
Please do let us know how you get on and really look after yourself

1 Like

Hi Erica - many thanks for your reply. My gut instinct is that I should be referred to a haematologist if only to rule out a problem, not least because I don’t want to ignore it and then find myself suffering a stroke/heart attack. The biggest challenge will be getting an appointment with a GP. Our practice used to be really good but since Covid it’s really gone downhill. I think I’m just going to have to put on my big girl pants, be a bit more assertive!

2 Likes

Oh @Gilly1 yep it’s big girls pants time and I believe in being ‘pleasantly assertive’!!

1 Like