Back from the hematologist
By NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (126409)
United States
February 20, 2026 4:48pm CST
I finally had my follow-up appointment with the hematologist this afternoon. Man you should have seen me freak out when I was in the ER last month and the nurse said they were waiting on consults from a hematologist and oncologist. I was like "no one has said ANYTHING about cancer!" Well eventually someone told me that a hematologist *is* an oncologist.
Anyway the issue is my platelet (things that cause blood to clot) level is VERY low. Normal range is 150-400. When I got to the ER it was 34. The next day when they released me it was 42. The doctor had them draw 15 vials of blood for various tests.
So today I saw him again and he reviewed the results. I don't remember everything that I was tested for but I know he tested me for: leukemia, multiple myeloma, hepatitis B and C, lupus, and genetic conditions that could cause it--all negative. He said that my iron level was low too. Well that makes sense since I keep getting random bruises for no reason. Today the platelet level is 59.
There is no treatment needed at this time. He told me to eat more iron-rich foods. I go back in 8 weeks to recheck the platelet level. As long as it is the same or higher then it will just continue to be monitored. He said if it was lower then he would put me on steroids.
The first call I made when I got out of there was to my mother because she's been flipping out about the situation. She was relieved, looked up a list of foods in iron and also vitamin K (has something to do with bleeding), and then put an awful thought into my brain. She told me that I had to be really careful with the snow and ice because if I slipped, fell, and hit my head I could get a brain bleed and die. Well that is something that never occurred to me. Thanks Mom!
After I spoke to her I texted my ex. He had wished me good luck while I was sitting in the waiting room. He was very happy to hear how it went. I then texted 2 coworkers who knew I had the appointment. They were relieved too.
So that's the news about that. I'm feeling better (mentally). I'm an idiot and googled low platelets even though I knew I shouldn't. I had self-diagnosed myself with leukemia. 

8 people like this
6 responses
@RasmaSandra (94441)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
22h
Glad to hear it and now you can do the dance of joy.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (214414)
• United States
44m
Thank you SO much for giving us an update. I was worried. Hopefully you can improve the situation with diet changes. I hope you start feeling better soon.
@MarieCoyle (54985)
•
22h
Oh, it can be hard to get that iron count back up, I know. Not only here for the son but for his Mom...I have been anemic for some time but not like your low by any means. Did you know when your iron is low, one side affect is cold hands and feet? My feet are always cold, year round,
You are far from being an idiot. I am very glad to hear your self-diagnosis was wrong!!! 

1 person likes this







