Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Should I be concerned??

Alright a little update on Bennett- the girls were sick and naturally Bennett got it and has had a terrible cough since last week. We've been to the doctor twice and had him tested for RSV and today found out he does not have it-yay! He's been diagnosed with Brochiolitis and the doctor prescribed a steroid but said to hold off and see if he gets better in the next couple of days. Okay, fine.

So she just called me and said she forgot to mention his blood work that was taken yesterday for his 6 month thyroid test. She said his thyroid and white blood cells were normal but his platelet count was a tad high- 755?? She said she likes to see it under 600 but that many doctors don't get concerned until it goes over 1,000. She feels because he is sick it may have caused the platelet count to be off and would like to have him retested in a couple of weeks.

So then I get on the internet (you know I'm going to do that) and all I can find for high platelet count is blood disorders and cancer! Anyone have experience with platelet counts and do you think it's just because he's sick and how high is really high?? I'm sure he's fine but I can't help but wonder...

8 comments:

  1. I don't have any advice for you, unfortunately, but I just wanted to send a little love and support. Hope everything turns out to be ok!!

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  2. It's likely due to his being sick. Platelets tend to be too low when cancer is present. Although, Carly now has developed a platelet disorder. Only since being off chemo. FYI. When Carly was diagnosed with leukemia, her platelets were almost nonexistent. Normal is 150,000 - 450,000., Carly's were 4,000 upon diagnosis. I wouldn't read too much into it right now. Just follow through with what the doc says.

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  3. Don't worry about that. I worked in pediatrics for a while as a nurse and it is not unusual for the platelets to be off if they have been sick.

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  4. I'd be freaked out too! It's always in the back of mind that Max could get cancer at the drop of a hat. Praying that it's nothing!

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  5. Although it's easy to say not to worry...I wouldn't worry. The director of the Down Syndrome Center told me when Gabe was first born that these kids often have some funky blood work and not to over react if things come back abnormal. Just do the necessary follow up and get the further tests to rule everything out. I worry alot and look everything up online too. Good luck.

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  6. This has happened to me- just bring him back for a test when he is healthy. I was so afraid when the doctor was screening my son for something else- then said his test showed high white blood cell count.(he had a cold) Then I made the same mistake you did- I googled it!! My son was retested when he was feeling better and everything was fine. It was very scary.
    Lucie

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  7. Definitely because he is sick. We had this happen too when Payton was little and although one certain doctor wanted me to be freaked out (long story), it all ended up being because she was sick. Very common thing.

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  8. Adrienne,

    We just got a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last week. The baby's platelet levels have been very low so far. So, although I'm not a medical expert (although becoming one quickly), I'd say Bennett's labwork is a lot different. I'm impressed that you've got thye possibility of leukemia on your radar to watch for.
    Sarah

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