Really freaked out by GP

@BlueChewRoy did you get to the bottom of this at all? Many thanks

@BlueChewRoy hope everything went ok.

@BlueChewRoy any update? Hope you’re less stressed.

@thegcatsmother my lowest count was 4 which was terrifying and I was hospitalised when they got the result and had to have a platelet infusion and steroids. Then the haematologist put me on a succession of medications (Dapsone, micophenalate, immunoglobulin - which was truly awful) and now Romiplostim. Count is hovering between 20 and 50 but only with the Romiplostim (NPlate) injections weekly. Without them my count plummets. Yes, I think it would be wise to see someone about your count. Romiplostim is relatively new on the market and I know there are other new treatments too. I have to go for quarterly check-ups at the hospital (used to be weekly, then fortnightly, then monthly and now every 3 months).

Diagnosed during pregnancy almost 25 years ago. Was told the platelets would sort themselves after giving birth - they didn't. No meds (apart from pred prior to an op), and a count that veers between 19k and 32k, mostly about 32k for the last 3 years. It was 85k when first diagnosed, so something is making my count drop.

I get fatigue, and pain in my joints, but that could be the starts of arthritis as I am in my 50s. I don't drink much, perhaps a glass of wine twice a month. I bruise easily and have petechiae and some blood staining on my legs. I know my count is low when my feet start to look brown.

When I can go back to the doc here, I might ask for a referral to the hospital. I know they don't want to do anything til the count gets to

@thegcatsmother always good to meet another one, even virtually. I am on Romiplostim (NPlate). Was diagnosed during pregnancy 15 years ago, had a period of remission and then relapsed 6 years ago and have been on a range of treatments since. It's been quite a rollercoaster as I find the side effects really tough (fatigue, chronic pain, headaches etc). What about you, if you don't mind sharing?

From your online photo/medic query ^

@BlueChewRoy any update OP? I have these too.

I agree she would have done bloods if she thought it was leukaemia

If she thought it was leukaemia she would do a blood test. It's the first thing she would do. A dermatologist would not diagnose leukaemia or a blood disorder of any kind. Only a blood test will.

I have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and these sound like petechiae (pinprick bleeding under the skin). Lots of things can cause it. It might be an idea to have a blood test and check platelet count. ITP is controllable but depending on the platelet count might need treatment.

They won't be expecting Leukaemia, my mum had a blood test then the next day was sent to hospital for emergency treatment.

No GP is quite right not to throw random possibility to patient without getting it checked by specialist.

sorry OP but I think she sounds crap. It's patronising to be so secretive and not treat you as an adult.

A good dr would have said it might be AB or C but she needed an expert opinion.

Pretty sure they are not cherry angiomas- they are pink head or smaller but definitely have a look to them and they are not ALL over - there are spaces between them. I have some on my torso and once lockdown is over and having them lasered off ( had some done .)

Rubbish GP- sorry- needs to treat you as an equal not a child.

My husband has leukaemia - they wouldn't make you wait a week for a Dermatologist if that is what they suspected.

If she thought leukaemia she would have booked you in for bloods, I get terrible bruising all over my legs and have had to have bloods tests to rule out anything serious causing it.

Hopefully you’ll get some answers soon but don’t panic of let your mind run wild, if it was serious then checking bloods is usually the first port of call.

They don't mess about if they think it's leukaemia. I had bloods done one day, was off out for tea at about 7pm and got a call from the GP sending me to haematology that evening
The bloods were seen, they rang the GP who rang me and next thing I'm in the Macmillan centre all within about 10hrs. It wasn't leukaemia but I did need urgent treatment and saw a consultant that evening

I think the GP is not thinking it is anything harmless or she would have told me and the reason she isn’t telling me is because she suspects one of the more harmful causes. (Leukemia). I accept that could be my imagination running wild.

Not likely, if she thought something serious you would be having bloods and referred to oncology for investigation and biopsy.

Think about what dermatologists do - she clearly thinks it's a skin condition but isn't qualified enough to share her thoughts. It's a little silly on the GPs part, but she probably didn't realise you'd worry like this.....

Stay calm.

If she suspected Leukaemia you’d be getting blood tests and a referral. Dermatology suggests it’s not that. I know what you mean op. You read so much into gp chat when you’re worried. Hope it’s straight forward .

Interesting... I get these on my arms but whenever I see one I just assume I've been bitten by something!

Op is it like this

Don’t panic! She’s just taking advantage of the quick photo referral systeM that seem offers. You are getting an expert opinion