Hep C Discussion Forum

Liamc wrote:

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I was starting to get more energy back, but the last month it has really dropped.My platelet count after steadily rising over the last 3 months has dropped from 160 to 139 (within a month) the ref range is 140-440.Would this be the cause of my tiredness?

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 Based on my experience, I doubt it. I was taking Lovenox (enoxaparin) 30mg BDS injections to promote anticoagulation following surgery for multiple broken bones and an arm and a leg amputation that was finalized 1-23-15. My platelets dropped from 232 (1-7-15) to 79 (3-23-15). That's a drop significant enough to notice diminished energy for sure but in actuality I started demanding physical rehabilitation therapy 2-2-15 and was more limited by lack of muscle strength and pain, than by lack of energy. 

 In the past I've seen my platelet level go up and down for no apparent reason.Your platelet difference of 21 is over a 3 month period. Attached is a record of my platelets over the past couple of years. You can see that a change of 21 is not unusual at all.

Don't miss anything basic. If your energy level dropped so bad last month then try to think of any changes you made then such as diet, lifestyle, work load, climate, physical sickness, even some psychologically changing event? There are many possible causes of fatigue and I found out last year how much diet can affect my energy level. I get adequate exercise too but my experience is different than Malcolm's. I quit eating high sugar, high fat, nutrient poor foods permanently and became much more energetic starting almost immediately and I still eat healthy. I don't have a lot of energy today but I have more than I did when I wasn't taking care of my body. Considering I have had Hep C and HIV beating on me for probably 30 years and counting, taking toxic HIV medication daily, a 35+ year history of bad alcohol/drug addiction and years of poor self health care, I feel pretty darn good even with my platelets at 65.

As Tig said, the ribavirin is probably still beating on you to some extent. Don't expect to feel like a new man but I do expect you will feel a bit better as the riba continues to leave your body. Hang in there Liam. Try to focus on the positive and enjoy your new bike and being Hep C free!

Hi Liam,

I'm sure you will remain SVR. Don't worry about platelets. They bounce around and have nothing to do with tiredness. They're just bits of cytoplasm.

SVR doesn't mean increased energy levels for many. I eat what I like and exercise as much as possible. Just enjoy life and do what you can Cheers.

Hi Liam,

After your SVR 12, I have no doubt that you will continue to be. There are several causes that may be responsible for a lower platelet count, but yours is still WNL, even though it has fluctuated some since your last test. The Ribavirin can be responsible for that and it can take every bit of 6-12 months to be rid of it's lasting effects. Let your doctor keep an eye on your progress and you try to celebrate your success and try to put this out of your mind. The first year after treatment is always filled with different experiences. Your recovery period can be tense as well as exciting, do your best to concentrate on your success. As you regain your strength and your body begins the process of healing, you're going to see improvements in many ways. Let us know when you get the next bit of good news, SVR 24!!!