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High Platelet Count?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Oregonjohn-UK
Oregonjohn-UK

I am slightly perplexed after a visit to my GP on Thursday.  I had taken a blood-test at my local hospital and the next day I was contacted by my local surgery who wished to make an appointment with one of the practice doctors for the very next day, I managed to get an appointment with my named doctor and as usual I requested a print out of my results (not all to do with PMR).  He said my CRP was 5 (normal range 0 – 7.5) and my ESR was also 5 (normal range 1 – 30) so all well on the inflammatory front.  But under the ESR was the Platelet count of 565 (normal range 150 – 400).  I might also say it was 640 in July 14 just a couple of weeks into starting preds and has been ‘high’ ever since.   He was stumped as to what caused this ‘high’ for 2 years and noted that he would contact a haematologist to query!!   The white cell count is up slightly - 11.9, and neutrophil count - 8.6?

I spend 5 minutes on the web only to discover one cause is steroids?

Inflammation – chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease, or other inflammatory processes. PMR?

Drugs/medication – e.g. corticosteroids can stimulate platelet production  

Reaction to certain medications, including steroids

Is there anyone else who has a high platlet count with steroids?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • tina-uk_cwall
    tina-uk_cwall Oregonjohn-UK

    Posted

    Hello oregonjohn, no I have never had a high platelet count, however, as you say our condition and /or the preds can do all sorts. Since my very first blood test, pre diagnosis to now 5mgs preds I have never received a normal /good liver test result. I have even seen a liver specialist who doesn't seem at all concerned but nevertheless for me I do worry so I can understand your concern. All the best, tina
    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      Thanks Tina - I even more certain that it proves that we are all so different to meds.  I have been feeling very well outside of a swollen left hand and even that has stumped him, it's worse in the mornings and slowing gets better as the day goes on - similar to any aches and pains as per PMR.  I'm at 2.5 mg and am sticking here for the time being.  What an odd bunch we all are!
  • Silver49
    Silver49 Oregonjohn-UK

    Posted

    My husband attends haematology and the concern for him is a low platelet count! He does not have PMR but a blood disorder. I have no idea what  my platelet  count is and I worked in Haematology. I tend to steer clear of blood tests. Perhaps I should have it checked but I choose to avoid the GP if I can. They are very supportive but they tend to find something else .....that's the cynic in me. I assume you have other condition(s)as well as PMR from what you have said. I hope you find it is nothing to worry about and will resolve itself.
    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK Silver49

      Posted

      Thanks Silver - I didn't have any concerns until he pointed it out, so as someone who likes to get to the bottom of things I researched it.  There is quite a lot online both high and low counts.  It just seems strange that it started to rise just after I started preds and has slowing reduced as I have reduced my pred dosage - can only hope it will drop to 'normal' when I get to zero - he ho!
  • EileenH
    EileenH Oregonjohn-UK

    Posted

    No idea - never looked at my diff count...

    Honestly though - as soon as I read the title and without seeing who was posting I was ready to ask were you on steroids. Where do they leave their brains? One of the GPs at my Durham practice admitted to me one of his colleagues (the one that recognised PMR as it happened) had taught him how to use google to look up such things...

    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK EileenH

      Posted

      I wonder sometimes if they do check the internet.  I know they are very busy people but....
    • EileenH
      EileenH Oregonjohn-UK

      Posted

      ... we'll ignore the fact it is a basic bit of pharmacology/haematology. The idea he would waste the haematologist's time to ask that basic a question is slightly mindboggling!
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