I am a 49 year old male and in october of 2006 I was diganosed with Essential Thrombocythemia. My platelet count had been rising over the years and it got to a point were my regular MD thought it was time to see a hemotologist. My last and highest count was right around 720. I had the bone marrow biopsy to rule out any other problems,which I was dreading after reading so many postings of how painful that was, but I can tell you from my experience it wasnt painful at all, I have had blood taken that hurt more than the bmb. Anyways the doctors wanted me to start taking hydroxyurea which after reading about I decided against it at this time. To make a long story short I started taking 1000 iu of vitamin e per day. After a month of taking it and getting my first blood results back, my count was down to 645, which is the first time it has gone down in years. I am continuing with it and will update as I go along. Could it be working? To me its a lot safer than taking the meds that they want me too.

Hi,

Thank you for the information about the Vitamin E! I am a 48 year old female and I will be seeing a hemotologist for the first time Jan 2. My platelet count was 416 last September and this year it went to 440. My doctor had me come in to re-check it and it was up to 514 the first of December. I had melenoma back in August and had the surgeory to get rid of it. It was stage one and the dermatologist got it all! Besides a sinus infection, or so we thought, all has been well. I had been on antibiotics for several months for the sinus thing and I finally went to an Allergy doctor who told me I didn't have any allergies only a super sensitive nose. He gave me medicines for the problem which has really helped. My regular M.D. did iron studies and they all came back OK and all of my other blood labs are normal. I am worried "sick" and I dread going. Any suggestions or hopes!

bjsy

My first reaction was the same as yours, I was worried sick and somewhat afraid. Your platelet count is low compared to most so I wouldn't worry so much. I assume you'll be going thru most of the test I have done. MRI,Ultrasound scan, and possibly a Bone Marrow Biopsy to rule out any other problems. If that is the case dont get yourself all worked up over the BMB, like I said it was painless to me, I sometimes think reading too much about things is the worst thing to do.I wish you well and will keep updates posted on my vitamin E treatment.

Hi Joe,

I went to the hemotologist today and he doesn't think I have anything to worry about. It might be ET but again he said it might just be that my platelet's run a little high.

I also had several blood tests done and it will take 2 weeks to get the results from 2 of them but I did find out my platelet count is down to 450(yeah!!!!). I started taking the vitamin E after I saw your post and something has worked becasue my count is down!!!

Becky

I hope this is the right place to "jump in". I seem to have had high platelet counts for at least 3 years, a week ago 645. I am a medical social worker and feel pretty competent in the medical arena. I am going to see a hemo on my own. PCP wanted me to repeat test in a month. I don't think I have any symptoms but am usually so busy I probably wouldn't notice :-) I have a long hx of autoimmune diseases and beleive strongly in using supplements. Folic acid, fish oil and co-enzyme Q-10 have brought my CRP and homocysteine levels within range for the first time in a few years!!! Dr. Andrew Weil has helped me quite a bit.
I am really trying not to overreact and WORRY. Thanks for listening...........

Hi,

I know what the worry part is! I was so nervous when I finally got to talk with my HT but he actually put my fears to rest right away. I have not had any symtpons and actually I am not even sure what the symptoms would be? I went for my yearly exam and the family doctor has had me keep coming in becasue the platelet count was steadily going up. He recommended the HT and I am glad I went. The HT talked about the worse case and best case and what we could do with each. I am glad I went and yes going to the HT is a great idea. You can have your fears listened to and have your questions answered.

I also think "talking" here in this forom is helpful and I really appreciate the feedback and knowledge that I gain from others.

Becky

Hi,

I saw the HT last Thursday and all of my tests for ET came back negative. My count is 450 which is down from 514 in December. I asked about taking the Vitamin E and he doesn't think it has anything to do with my platelet count coming down, but I am staying on it! I go back in six months and if everything is still the same I don't have to go back to him again. He says I might just be one of the people that their count runs on the high side of the bell curve.

Becky