High blood platelet count

[BruceTheMoose]

Has anyone else had this?

Does it mean I have cancer?

Had a blood test yesterday and GP surgery left me a voicemail this morning asking me to make an appointment asap to discuss results with GP. The member of staff told me over the phone I have a high platelet count.

I'm shitting myself now. My mind automatically went to cancer as soon as she said it. I also made the mistake of Googling it.

Not medically trained but work in healthcare.

Thrombocytosis is the name for high platelet levels. It can be primary or secondary if for example you have an infection.

It really depends on the reasons why you went to the GP, other symptoms etc. Try not to panic. Stop googling and go see your GP as soon as you can.

Send your excess platelets to me please - I have a low count.

This site explains it well labtestsonline.org/tests/platelet-count

@LMW1990 I originally went to the GP with painful, heavy periods and was given the pill, sent for a scan (which came back clear) and a blood test.

@scaryteacher I'll happily send you some Thank you, that link is interesting as I have just started on an estrogen birth control and that was one of the causes on the list.

I hope it's nothing to worry about but I can't help but let my mind wander!

Snap I had the same call yesterday except it was the receptionist and she had no idea what it meant just wanted to book me in for another test. I had to look it up, ignorance might have been better. This is the third time this year I've had a blood test for one thing and something else has shown up, then I've needed another blood test plus I have regular blood tests. This morning I opened a letter inviting me to a well woman check up, first of all I need to book a blood test.

I'm starting to think the doctor is a vampire and it is all a cunning plot.

Bruce I've been living with a count of 32k for a couple of years now, and have had a low count for the past 24 years ( an unwelcome side effect of pregnancy that didn't go away), and I'm OK.

The normal platelet range is between 150k and 450k platelets per microlitre of blood, so ask what level you are actually at. Platelets vary on a daily basis, so I've been in A&E with my GP insisting on a blood test, with a count of 19k, and they've come back at 29k.

I had this aswell the receptionist told me and said I needed to repeat it in 2 weeks I just did that today so will see what it says. so googled aswell and it talks about cancer but can also be lots of other things and I have been feeling run down so I'm thinking perhaps an infection. Good luck with your appointment

High platelets is more strongly associated with cancer in older men. As a younger woman (presumably, as you mention periods) high platelets gives you no greater risk of cancer than a woman with normal platelets. They may want to suggest some more tests to find an explanation for your symptoms.

The platelet cancer link is easily (frequently!) misunderstood. It's likely that the person you spoke to on the phone doesn't realise that a high platelet count isn't a worrying result for a younger woman.

I'm starting to think the doctor is a vampire and it is all a cunning plot

@scaryteacher thank you I will ask

@Sleephead1 I did notice the other possible causes but I'm a drama queen and always assume the worst! I'm wondering if mine could be aneamia as I have been feeling really drained lately. Few dizzy spells as well. I put it down to having 2 heavy periods a week apart from each other!

I find my platelets spike when I have an infection, virus, cold etc.

I've got to go for another blood test as apparently my last 4 blood test they've been getting steadily higher. The GP was unsure as to why my previous GP never investigated this!