I initially presented at the GP with increasing migraines with aura, then was diagnosed with hypertension which I’ve been treated for and haven’t had migraines since. I had routine blood tests which showed raised platelets.
I’ve now been referred to haematology as my platelets are persistently raised (currently over 600) and the GP marked it as an urgent referral. Today I rang the referral number and the closest bookable appointment is July 31st. Is there a difference between an urgent referral and a cancer referral, which I know is two weeks?
Many thanks
We are so sorry to hear that you have been having issues with migraines and hypertension, as well as a blood result showing raised platelets.
It is likely that your GP will of made this referral for you and that you will receive a letter with an appointment in soon for haematology.
We would advise perhaps calling the GP surgery to see if they have more information about this referral as what usually happens is that GPs will send off referrals, they will get assessed by the team within that speciality and then will be marked as either ‘urgent’ or ‘routine’.
You are correct in saying that for majority of cancer investigations this will be under a 2 week wait referral, however, it will depend on what has been decided when this has been triaged by the haematology team. Perhaps check this with the GP receptionist as they will usually be able to see what this has went through as and if a date or time frame has been given.
Hi @Barry1 I cannot better @Emma_BloodCancerUK response to you, but I wanted to welcome you to our support forum.
If you are anything like me the waiting and not knowing are anxious times.
I hope you get your referral as soon as possible, whether it be July 31st or not.
In the meantime I would suggest you write all your fears, questions and practicalities for the appointment and don’t forget all investigations are to rule conditions in or out.
Perhaps with very generic symptoms it makes it more difficult to make a diagnosis.
Please do look after yourself and do let us know how you get on.
Thank you both for your replies. I’ve spoken to the GP receptionist and they said the referral had been marked urgent from their end but then it would be triaged by haematology like you mentioned above Emma.
I took the option of being referred to my local hospital which doesn’t have bookable appointments so it will hopefully be before July (they mentioned there might be cancellations etc). I really hope so as the wait is definitely something I will struggle with.
Just wanted to give an update on this.
Haematology referred me back to the GP as they hadn’t done some other tests and they thought it may be reactive thrombocytosis as my MCV was low. They did tests for iron deficiency and my saturation is low and ferritin at the lowest end of normal so I’ve been prescribed ferrous fumerate. I thought this may be due to giving blood possibly, although when they measure my haemoglobin it’s always ok, so felt quite reassured that is was due to iron deficiency. However today I had an ultrasound scan which showed my spleen is at the upper limit of normal. They did say that’s still normal but it’s still worrying me to be honest. I’m having my bloods repeated after I’ve been on iron for 3 months to see if my platelets have been brought down. I’m foolishly looking things up and scaring myself now.
I’m also due to travel to Europe next week and I’m stressing about DVT. It’s only a short flight so I know I’m probably being silly.
Just would like a definitive answer but know this might take a while.
Hi @Barry1 yes everything seems to take a while.
You yourself say that you are ‘foolishly looking things up and scaring yourself’, so I will not comment on that.
Perhaps enjoy your trip to Europe and wear your socks and keep moving your legs if you can. Look after yourself.
Thank you for keeping us updated.
We can imagine it is worrying not having a definitive answer, but hope that with further check-ups you are able to told the reason for your high platelets and hopefully these start to come down.
Do keep us updated with how you are getting on
Please enjoy your holiday & take care, if you would like to chat through anything further with us on your return and think it may be easier to speak to one of our support nurses, do feel free to give us a call on 0808 2080 888.
