Diagnosis
I am very good about having my annual (more of less) physical. In Nov. 2009, my labs showed a very high platelet count. My physician wasn't too concerned because I had been running a little high for a couple of years but not dangerously high and there are many things that can cause a spike in the platelet count. So, he suggested we do another blood draw in a couple of months. That count was about the same as the Nov. results, but he was still not terribly concerned.
A couple of weeks later I was scheduled for my annual pap smear. Usually gynecologists like to do blood tests as well. As I had just had a blood test, I didn't see any need to repeat it and I brought my results to my appointment. This doctor looked at the results and expressed great concern. He was very surprised that my primary physician had not referred me to a hematologist for testing. He strongly suggested that I request a referral.
I made the request of my primary physician and he made the referral. I saw the hematologist on a Tuesday. He was also very concerned about the level of my platelet count and scheduled a bone marrow biopsy for the following week. The next day, after reviewing the results of his blood test, his office called and said the doctor wanted to do the biopsy the next day rather than wait a week.
I dreaded the biopsy because I had heard horrifying stories of how painful the procedure was. To my great surprise, and relief, it was not even an uncomfortable procedure.
The diagnosis was confirmed: Essential Thrombocytosis.
A couple of weeks later I was scheduled for my annual pap smear. Usually gynecologists like to do blood tests as well. As I had just had a blood test, I didn't see any need to repeat it and I brought my results to my appointment. This doctor looked at the results and expressed great concern. He was very surprised that my primary physician had not referred me to a hematologist for testing. He strongly suggested that I request a referral.
I made the request of my primary physician and he made the referral. I saw the hematologist on a Tuesday. He was also very concerned about the level of my platelet count and scheduled a bone marrow biopsy for the following week. The next day, after reviewing the results of his blood test, his office called and said the doctor wanted to do the biopsy the next day rather than wait a week.
I dreaded the biopsy because I had heard horrifying stories of how painful the procedure was. To my great surprise, and relief, it was not even an uncomfortable procedure.
The diagnosis was confirmed: Essential Thrombocytosis.