Hi Bob,

Congratulations on finally finishing your treatment. Six months is quite a marathon.

I have had a low platelet count for a number of years which was described by a doctor in 2014 as mild chronic thrombocytopenia.
My blood results indicate that a normal range is between is 150 – 400 and mine were around 140 for a few years and went down to 119 in my first UND blood test 12 weeks into HCV treatment. Interestingly my recent SVR11 test which indicated that I was HCV positive again showed my platelets as 169 so I got Hep C back again but gained a normal platelet count. (I’d rather the reverse!).

The liver and bone marrow have a role in platelet control and production. I am no medical expert but my previous research suggests that thrombocytopenia can be caused by a number of things including viral infections. An enlarged spleen also plays a role but in a different way. We also recently confirmed that I have a gene associated with Haemochromatosis which may account my high Iron results (it’s an iron overload disorder). There can be a relationship between Thrombocytopenia and Haemochromatosis.

My doctors have not been alarmed by my low platelet count although we have all been distracted by my HCV but it is something to keep an eye on. This has been my experience but I’m sure medical professional will be able to provide a more thorough overview.