Lab results - Platelets and ALT

[Junebug812]

I am taking shot 21 of 24 tonight. I got blood work back today and was a little surprised to see my platelets dropped to 118. My platelets have been pretty good throughout tx, usually around 150. In March it was at 177. I think 118 is still ok, yes? What causes a drop like that? Or maybe that's not a significant drop?

Also, my ALT pre-tx was in the high 30's which I think is good. Since I started tx it's been in the low 20's. On 4/9 it got down to 18. Now all of a sudden it's back in the 30's. Is this insignificant since it's still within normal range? Just kind of surprised that in two weeks it would make that jump when it's been steadily low throughout tx.

Oh, and I'm Geno 3 and was UND at 4 weeks and then again at 16 weeks.

Thanks,
June

[Junebug812]

Ah, now I have your answer about why you're not on Procrit. My doc wanted to do the same thing but I felt I suffered enough and pretty much begged for it. The Procrit has helped me enormously! I feel almost human because of it. I hope you don't have to wait too long, or perhaps he's right, your numbers will bounce back. Personally, I felt so badly that I didn't want to wait any longer to see what would happen.

Keep me posted on your next labs. Crossing my fingers for you.
June

[Anne1717]

The torture is almost over - GREAT and so sorry it has been so rough.  FYI - my doctor doesn't want to do the Procrit thing YET even though my HGB is 9.5.  He said it sometimes bounces back and that they will watch me very closely.  Well anyway, you won't have to worry much longer.

Have a great weekend

[eureka254]

With three more weeks to go, you're almost there!  Hopefully it's short enough duration for your platelets to still stay within tolerable ranges... 118 is just a bit below *normal*, but not time to raise any alarms as yet.  You might find you bruise a little more easily (and you might want to put off things like going to the dentist for a month or so), but hopefully they'll jump back up after your treatment finishes.  

The fluctuating LFTs shouldn't be cause for alarm either; still within normal limits :).

Sounds like you've kept your doc on his toes, good for you on being proactive and staying on top of your own care.  Be careful driving around... hope the road gets easier for you from this point forward! Best of luck on forever undetected! ~eureka

[Junebug812]

@ Hector, good to know that it's nothing to worry about. I'm not sure why my doc tested at 16 weeks. I've had conflicting statements from him. At first he said I'd be tested at 4 and 12 weeks. Then after 15 weeks passed, I asked about the 12 week test and then he ordered it. I was told a month ago that I wouldn't have a VL test again until 6 months post tx, but then today was told I'll have one a week after tx. He told me this morning that my last shot is supposed to be May 6th. I wrote back and said I thought I was supposed to have 24 shots. He then wrote back and said, oops....so I'm back to May 13th as being my last shot.

When I my HGB was at 9.7 and I was having severe sx, he didn't want to put me on Procrit, he wanted to wait it out. I had to beg. I also had to let him know that I was worried about being on Procrit weekly once my HGB hit 11.9. Only then did he drop it to every other week.  It's been this forum that has helped me know what to watch out for and know what to advocate for.

@fnzol, I'll try not to get in a car accident, although I do drive a lot for my job. ;)

Yep, nearly there. I can't wait to get my life back. It's been a tough road. Cut my hair really short yesterday because I've lost so much of it. Covered in a rash for months, lung issues, fevers, chills, headaches, bone pain, mouth sores, and of course the usual fatigue and shortness of breath, etc..........Blech. But I know I'm one of the lucky ones and I have enormous respect for all of you who have had to do this multiple times.

June

[Fnzol]

You may not have any more labs until end of treatment, so for three more shots you'll have to guess about the PLTs.  118 is a bit low, but not condition red.  You might get a nosebleed or two out of it.  Just don't cut yourself badly or get in car crash and your numbers should start to recover after #24.  My own PLT count stayed mostly constant, low 140s to mid 150s.  

Don't sweat the ALT.  It can jump around.  At least you've maintained normalcy.  I started treatment at about 130-something.  After two shots it was 65.  At my fourth week lab, normal range and stayed there.  It's varied from a low of 29 up to 40 something, and my final lab after shot 24 it was back to 29.  

Hang in there.  You're almost done.  

[HectorSF]

Interferon causes platelets counts to drop. It is a side effect of Interferon. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
As far as AST level...Blood values change all the time. Again, nothing to worry about.

What matters is UND at 4 weeks (why tested at 16 weeks?). As long as you are still UND you will soon be virus free. "Keep your eyes on the prize".

Keep up the good work and stay compliant with your meds.
Looks like you got this thing beat!

Hectorsf