Hep C and platelet count and effects on pancreous

[Sinkers]

Just been to the Doc and blood test shows abnormal platelet level and unusual readings from the pancreous (spelling may be wrong, sorry) Is this the hep c, also like an idiot I consume alcohol. Thanks

[mikesimon]

As the liver becomes damaged platelet count may be low. It's not that your bone marrow isn't producing platelets but rather that the platelets are being sequestered in the spleen. If this is the case with you your doctor should have been able to feel an enlarged spleen when palpating your abdomen. If your doctor hasn't palpated your abdomen I'd question it vigorously. This is standard procedure. Good luck. Mike

[Aubbie]

Hey, I thought that was excellant advice you gave him, and I am so glad I can go to this site.Also Stop Drinking, Get Help!Heed Her advice!  Or His. GOOD LUCK AND God BLess!Aubbie

[friole]

Been wondering, Damitjanet -- is that from Rocky Horror?

[friole]

Great story.  Thanks

[dammitjanet]

Great movie, but no, I'm not a transexual from Transylvania!  As the story goes, as a child I thought that was my real name.  Not that my mother was abusive or vulgar, just that I was a particularly willful and exasperating child!  More recently it has become a nickname among my bowling buddies.  As in, "Dammitjanet, how many times are you going to miss that 10-pin?!!"  It seems to have stuck.  When I walk into the bowling center, I'm greeted with "Hey DJ".  Hope everyone is doing well.  I've only been here a short time and already feel like I have friends.  This is an amazing site with so many resources.  God bless you all!!  DJ

[dammitjanet]

I can't tell you anything about the platelet count, but there are others here who can.  As for the pancreas, the important readings are Amylase and Lipase.  Normal ranges are Amylase 30-110, and Lipase 30-300.  If you can get those numbers, you'll have an idea of how badly inflammed your pancreas is.  Now, far be it from me to preach, but you really need to give up the alcohol (at the very least cut back if you are drinking heavily).  You do not want to suffer an attack of acute pancreatitis.  You will end up in the hospital for at least 2, maybe 10 days.  You will be on a liquid diet.  If you can't keep that down, you will need a feeding tube.  Among other things,the pancreas produces insulin.  If the pancreas doesn't function properly, you become an insulin-dependent diabetic.  Doesn't sound like fun to me.  You really don't need that booze as much as you think you do.  :)     DJ