I am Healthy
On Saturday, April 13 I gave my doctor a blood sample, mostly to test for cholesterol.
In the afternoon, on Monday, April 15, my doctor called me with the results:
Blood Line | My Number | Normal Range |
Platelets | 14,000 | 150,000 - 350,000 |
White Blood Cells | 1.6 | 4 - 10 |
Red Blood Cells | 3.6 | 4 - 6 |
Hemoglobin | 10.7 | 14 |
Hematocrit | 29.9 | 38-50 |
The term for all the blood lines being low is panceytopenia. This
article talks about the leading causes. In my case, it seems
aplastic anemia is the most likey diagnosis. The treatment page reveals that this
is a serious diagnosis.
I certainly was worried because of the serious nature of these results. However, I
remained skeptical of the accuracy of the results because I did not exhibit any of
the symptoms one would expect. For example, with a platelet count of 14,000 I should
have been bleeding from my gums when I brushed my teeth, and bruising easily.
I took Wednesday, April 17, off from work so that I could see a hematologist. He did a
physical and another CBC (complete blood count). Here are my new results:
Blood Line | My Old Number | My New Number | Normal Range |
Platelets | 14,000 | 288,000 | 150,000 - 350,000 |
White Blood Cells | 1.6 | 4.8 | 4 - 10 |
Red Blood Cells | 3.6 | 5.27 | 4 - 6 |
Hemoglobin | 10.7 | 15.4 | 14 |
Hematocrit | 29.9 | 43.8 | 38-50 |
Not the top of the range, but certainly "normal". The current explanation is that
there was a lab mix-up. So, I am fine. This certainly was not the best way to spend
48 hours, but I am relieved that I am healthy. I advice everyone to be happy with what
they have.
I would like to thank everyone who talked to me and helped me through this - especially
Kevin.
Last updated April 18, 2002.
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