Platelet Transfusion

I went in this morning for my routine lab tests. As I was leaving the hospital, I saw my doctor in the hallway. We stopped and visited for a few minutes, and he told me that he would call me later with the results of the lab tests.

I had just gotten home and had lunch when the phone rang. It was my doctor telling me he wanted me to go back to the hospital for a platelet transfusion. Josh had taken my truck because he had a dentist appointment, so I was without wheels. I called Ron and he came home and took me to Wilford Hall. Fortunately, it was a slow day at his office.

When platelets drop below the 10,000 range, a transfusion is needed. My count was 8,000. Not that bad, but low enough that my doctor was a bit concerned. He said that I may need a blood transfusion on Wednesday, but we'll see. I was hoping to get through all this without transfusions. I am anemic now, though, and get dizzy and tired when I move too fast or do too much.

My white counts are quite low, too, meaning I'm in a neutropenic state (immunosuppressed). I have to stay away from crowds, flowers, dirt and germs. I can't eat yogurt or fresh fruits and vegetables and have to wear a mask if I go around people. They really recommended just staying home and being a hermit. That's okay. I can do that for a week. Hopefully by next week my white count will rebound.

But in spite of it all, I'm really doing okay. I'll do whatever it takes to get well without any objection!