Anyone know about Platelets?

[17CherryTreeLane]

DH has swollen lymph nodes in his groin (3 months now), and blood tests have shown he has a low platelet count.

Does anyone know what this means? Google is saying cancer, but it always says that.

Is there anything else that would cause a low platelet count? He isn't on any medication at all, so it's not a side effect of any meds.

I'm very worried, and he's refusing to discuss it.

My DS had low platelets because of itp - immune thrombocytopenic purpura. It's an immune system over reaction where the spleen mistakes platelets for viruses and destroys them. I don't know if swollen lymph nodes are associated, sorry. Itp is relatively benign for a blood disorder...if you have to have one, it's one of the better ones....

Thanks so much for replying! Sorry to hear your DS has this to deal with. Is it well managed?

Not sure if my DH has ITP, as i don't know if you can develop that at 46, but I have no idea.

He has a docs appt tomorrow, so hopefully know more then.

You can develop ITP at any age. Doesn't mean DH has it, of course. Good luck x

How low are they? They should be above 150. Is he bleeding or bruising? Has he had a viral or bacterial infection recently?

The receptionist said they were low, and the doctor wants to speak to him, but didn't say how low, and he didn't ask.

He has a kind of red rash on his chest, but no bleeding or bruising.

How did it go?

Thanks for asking, but it was a bit of a waste of time. It was a phone appt, and the doctor just said he's still not sure, and to make another appointment as he wants to examine him again.

My DH then told me he didn't want to phone in too early for an appt, as really sick people would need them before him

He has another appt for next Thursday.

My Mum developed Idiopathic thrombocytopaenia in her 40s.... VERY low platelets. She was diagnosed because she frequently had massive bruising with no injury. The main treatment has been steroids as they boost the platelets tho she is rarely in the acceptable range. She has to go for checks monthly and she can't have any dental or other treatments except in hospital in case of bleeds.

She's 72 now and still cracking on with a busy life...though I wish she'd stop strimming her own hedges incase she cuts herself!!!

her immune system is a bit rubbish too but she's ok otherwise!

Thank Medusa, glad to hear your mum is still going strong, she sounds great.

I'm still a bit worried by the combination of low platelets & swollen lymph nodes that won't go away, but surely they'd be acting more quickly if it was serious, so there's comfort in that.