I need minor surgery but I'm concerned about PLTS-WBC

[52TELE]

Back in December , I had banged my elbow enough times that I developed Bursitis in my elbow. Heard of it? My ortho doc drained it and shot it up with a local steroid. He told me sometimes these things are chronic and they have to remove the Bursa in an out patient surgery. Supposedly no big deal. Well , I've gone back 3 times since December and went through the whole draining thing each time. The doc says I'm not a good candidate for surgery right now because surgery is just a controlled infection and he is afraid of my wbc and plts. That was appx. 2 months ago and my cbc levels were kind of low. In my last round of tests , the one that I found out I was UND ,
(thank you) my plts are at 167 , normal and my wbc is at 4.0 , normal. What I'm wondering is that if the rise in these areas into the normal range would tolerate a minor surgery? I know you guys really have no way of telling that , but I would like your opinion. I'm going to see my ortho doc tomorrow and I will discuss , but wanted to gather whatever info I could before then.

Thanks

[FlGuy]

Now you're thinking!

[52TELE]

Tele to doc
" can I just go ahead and buy you the clubs and skip the surgery?"

[FlGuy]

"I had banged my elbow enough times that I developed Bursitis in my elbow"

52 tele to doc:  Hey doc, it hurts when I bang my elbow

Doc: (thinking to himself) Now, I could just tell this guy to stop banging his elbow.  But, I've had my eye on those new golf clubs...

Doc to tele: You know, 52, I think we should go in and take a look at that elbow - how does surgery on the 25th sound?

[52TELE]

"There will be pre-operative blood-getting"
I think "blood letting" would be as approriate .
I just got back from the doc , he is going to do it arthisopicly on the 17th. He was ok with my last cbc , and your right , they will do another before the surgery. He seemed to think that based on my numbers right now that it will be ok and that the scope will be less invasive and less chance of infection.

[FlGuy]

The doc will make the call if you are ready for surgery or not.  There will be pre-operative blood-getting which should include a clotting test. You'll also reveal the meds you're on and will factor into the doc's decision.

[52TELE]

Fortunately , I had some time before I started tx that I was able to have my left knee replaced. It was sooo bad I couldn't hardly walk , and I knew if I didn't get it done before tx there was going to be hell to pay. I finished my rehab on the knee on a Friday and started tx the following Friday.

[tulsatime]

I had a knee problem that probably needed surgery. But being on treatment I had to wait. Well now it is better and only flares up once in a while, no need for surgery now.
I am doing great! thanks for asking. Debi

[52TELE]

Thanks Debi , I tend to agree with you , but Its getting really painful sometimes. I tried putting a "sleeve" and a elbow support , but they are both so tight that it presses on the bursa and hurts even worse. As long as I'm not damaging it further , I can probably wait. Kalio said her sister got over her's with time. That would be great if it works. Thanks Tulsa.

Are you doing ok?

[tulsatime]

Hi Mark, hope you are doing well. I think you should wait till treatment is over. If you was to catch an infection during surgery, they might stop your treatment. And it is not worth risking your SRV... Just my opinion. Debi

[52TELE]

Thanks Kalio.

[Kalio1]

My sister had this condition from a skiing injury and kept having it drained. Eventually it did work. I'd keep trying before I'd have your bursa removed, that can create complications on it's own.
I had a knee that filed up with fluid for years and it finally responded to draining when I followed the instructions to stay off of it. Not sure what your doctor said but I think using it too much when it is injured is one reason it collects fluid.