Hi basset gal,

I can't offer anything but a cyber hug.....hang in there, hopefully things are stable and its no cause for worries. Thinking about you...

Robertsamx:

Yes, my spleen is enlarged due to poor functioning of the portal vein due to cirrhosis: the platelets are being captured by the spleen, which causes the spleen to enlarge. My clotting time is slow, so I bruise easily.

 My liver is compensated right now, and the reason I was worried about the downward trend in platelets is that I feared it was a sign of worsening liver function.

I'll have an MRI in Sept to monitor a liver lesion,  after the first of the year I'm due for an endoscopy to look for varices in my esophogus , and will also have a fibroscan to see if my cirrhosis is stable.

I have blood work done every 3 months,I'm monitored every 6 months with MRIs, and I try to not worry about this stuff in between tests. But when something changes for the worse I do get upset.

The reason for so many questions regarding Platelets is due to the fact there are so many things that can attribute to a low count.

From conditions to medications the list is far to long to speculate.

One thing for sure is the connection to clotting so yes the time it takes to clot will likely be affected.

JimmyK

Hi Mary. My platelets hang around 70 also. They tell me its because of Cirrhossis, and that my platelets collect in my spleen? But they also say my spleen is normal in size?  Also the platelets are made in the liver, so poor liver conditions cause low platelets?I bruise really easy, do you?  I have heard so many different story's on brusing that I don't know what the story really is. That's why all the question marks in this post. Maybe some one will chime in on the low plat"s.  I also seem to bleed longer than normal, and my skin is now really thin. RC

Hi Mary,

Congrats on SVR, such a good place to be!

This is an important step in resolving all issues with the liver.

Seeing a specialist now is a good plan.

Be Well,

Dave

Hi Mary,

Congratulations on your continued SVR! Sorry that your platelets haven't recovered the way you had hoped. Aside from the low number, how are you feeling? It's not uncommon to have continued issues with low platelets when cirrhosis is involved. Since you have continued your 6 month ultrasounds, how has your spleen responded to SVR? Any sign of continued or worsening enlargement? We have a number of members that continue to have low platelets after SVR.

I agree with Pablo. See your Hepatologist, get a full checkup and ultrasound. Then a visit to a Hematologist may be considered. There are several things that can lead to low platelets, don't automatically think liver. As soon as you find out, please let us know. 

Hi Bassetgirl

Congrats on the SVR and sorry to hear about the platelets.

The first thing your hepatologist will no doubt try to do and that is investigate non-liver related causes of low platelets, of which there are many.

The second I'd ask her is to investigate the state of play of your liver with a fibroscan.  I assume because of your compensated cirrhosis you get 6 monthly ultrasounds as a follow-up.  

Pablo

So, I'm SVR, ended treatment July 2014.  In March 2014 when I was diagnosed my platelets were 77, stayed in the 60's for the past 2 years, but according to test results yesterday they were at 59.

  I see my hepatologist next Thursday and will talk to her about this, but I have to admit I'm feeling a little anxiety about the downward trend. Has anyone else experienced  this after SVR?  (all my other test results were stable. I do have my 6 month MRI screening scheduled for Sept.)