Platelet Count

Injury/Nutrition Other

12 years ago 04/13/2012 2:04pm EDT

So I recently had a physical and had my blood tested. I always ask my doctor to check my iron and ferritin levels to make sure they're high enough, since I had an issue with iron deficiency a few years ago. These levels were fine, as was everything else. However, my platelet count was below the normal range at 129. The doctor did not think this was anything to worry about. My blood results from last year showed the same thing. My question is do lower platelet counts affect running negatively? I know doctors don't really consider lower ferritin counts for sedentary people to be problem so they aren't concerned, so perhaps platelet counts may be similar.

PS I have been feeling pretty bad running overall for the past year and half or so but I can't pinpoint a specific cause. Perhaps a low platelet count may be it. If so how can I go about raising it?

12 years ago 04/13/2012 2:23pm EDT

re: slowerdude

The answer is it probably doesn't negatively affect your running. Here's where I'm coming from:

My platelet count has been between 5 and 30 (5,000 - 30,000) for the past sixteen years because I have ITP (an autoimmune disease where your body attacks your own platelets). I was diagnosed at the age of 18 while running at my university. The condition never seemed to affect my training or racing and I steadily improved every year until running PRs of 3:52/4:06/8:19/14:19 by the age of 21.

Now as an older dude (34) I am starting to wonder if maybe my condition limits my ability to race longer races, such as the marathon. I tried one recently and my muscles just tore to pieces. It might be because of the low platelets but I don't know for sure.

Anyhow, my hematologists have always told me that your clotting ability is not really impacted by low platelets until you get below around 30 or even 20. So with a count of 129, you are totally in the clear. I would have a dance party and celebrate if I ever got above 100, let alone 129.

12 years ago 04/13/2012 2:25pm EDT

re: slowerdude

By the way, if you figure out a safe way to raise your platelets, let me know. But I wouldn't recommend prednisone, unless you want to destroy your adrenals and possibly even your hips.

12 years ago 04/13/2012 3:27pm EDT

re: slowerdude

A low platelet count at that level will cause you no problems at all. I would be concerned if it was gradually dropping but it appear stable from your info.

I suggest you keep monitoring your blood count to make sure there are no changes from current levels.

4 years ago 10/23/2019 3:04pm EDT

re: slowerdude

slowerdude wrote:
So I recently had a physical and had my blood tested. I always ask my doctor to check my iron and ferritin levels to make sure they're high enough, since I had an issue with iron deficiency a few years ago. These levels were fine, as was everything else. However, my platelet count was below the normal range at 129. The doctor did not think this was anything to worry about. My blood results from last year showed the same thing. My question is do lower platelet counts affect running negatively? I know doctors don't really consider lower ferritin counts for sedentary people to be problem so they aren't concerned, so perhaps platelet counts may be similar.
PS I have been feeling pretty bad running overall for the past year and half or so but I can't pinpoint a specific cause. Perhaps a low platelet count may be it. If so how can I go about raising it?

I had also low platelet counts and after several counts the doctor suggested that they use a blue top test tube to collect my sample. It turns out that they should use a blue top test tube if they think that platelets are sticky and are clumping that is the reason the counts are low. Once they used the blue top tube it came back as normal count.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Platelet Count

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Platelet Count

Follow soccerfan

Block soccerfan

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.