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It's all good again [mostly]

WOW! 3 posts in as many days, but if you feel inundated with too much information, don't worry. I doubt it will continue. This news just couldn't wait.

The results of my colonography are in, and all is well. No polyps or other extraneous stuff. Thank goodness I'm not going to have to go through that again, for at least another couple of years. Hopefully by then I will have forgotten the misery I endured.

But it gets even better.

A retest of my blood counts showed the approximate same drop in lymphocyte count to 55 thou/mcL (which is within normal lab variation at this lymphocyte level), but my platelets were back up to 159 thou/mcL.

Not sure why the increase in platelets, other than the fact I did do a pretty intense bike ride Tuesday morning (which I'm told will cause an increase in platelets), and I cut back [very] slightly on the green tea. Regardless of the reason, it is reassuring.

I guess the best thing I can do for myself is try to increase the intensity of my bike rides (my enthusiasm on the bike has been waning as of late), which at this time of year is a lot easier said than done.
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Alan Posner said…
Not to burst your bubble but the increase in platelet count following vigorous exercise is caused by the spleen releasing sequestered platelets, rather than an increased production of platelets.

In any event there are other health benefits to exercise so go at it.
11:34 PM
Marc said…
So can I surmise from that bit of information, that is why my spleen feels so much better (not as bothersome) when I am riding? And it may not be that my bone marrow is failing [just yet], as much as it may be the spleen simply hording more and more platelets?

Either way, the release of the platelets into the blood stream should be a good thing?

It's obvious though, something (either my bone marrow or spleen) isn't working properly, something I have known for a long time. My only concern now being, things may be coming to a head, and I need to watch it closely.

BIG SIGH!
12:01 AM
Alan Posner said…
The release of platelets into your blood stream is not really a good thing. Until your blood platelets fall to 30,000 or less you're really not in too much danger of bleeding. Too high platelets in your blood can increase your risk of clotting i.e. heart attack or stroke.

Certainly the difference between 150K and 120K would make no difference either way.

I still think your being over concerned about such small deviations.
12:06 AM
Marc said…
OH! You sure know how to put a damper on things. :)

I'm going for a bike ride!
12:17 AM
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