- Location
- Surrey,UK
I've had a low platelets issue for several years now but since I am asymptomatic ie. not bleeding profusely if I cut myself, it was decided to "park" the issue. In September 2013 I felt that we really should investigate it further so we could decide if Azathioprine would still a viable drug for treating my Crohn's and to make sure there wasn't a more serious underlying problem. My gastro consultant supported this and the investigation started.
Two bone marrow biopsies later and we have the answer. The low platelets are not indicative of a bone marrow abnormality but are drug induced with the likely cause being to 8+ years of Azathioprine. It is a known side effect of this drug. Azathioprine is sometimes used to maintain Crohn's remission but if I get to the point where I need to go back on medication it will not be considered as an option.
The low platelets can return to their parking bay.
The above is just MY experience of taking that drug and as we all react differently to medications you should not assume you will end up in the same situation. Whilst I stopped taking it when we realised there was a potential problem it has not damaged my bone marrow sufficiently to need to take further action. The haematologist described it as like having a "four cylinder engine but only running on three". Would I have agreed to starting Azathioprine back in 1998 if I knew then what I know now? Yes. For nearly ten years it kept surgery at bay so that when the knife became inevitableI was in a much better position both financially and mentally to cope.
I've added a couple of posts on my blog detailing the tests and the conclusion. It's all here : http://goo.gl/f4hf5H
Two bone marrow biopsies later and we have the answer. The low platelets are not indicative of a bone marrow abnormality but are drug induced with the likely cause being to 8+ years of Azathioprine. It is a known side effect of this drug. Azathioprine is sometimes used to maintain Crohn's remission but if I get to the point where I need to go back on medication it will not be considered as an option.
The low platelets can return to their parking bay.
The above is just MY experience of taking that drug and as we all react differently to medications you should not assume you will end up in the same situation. Whilst I stopped taking it when we realised there was a potential problem it has not damaged my bone marrow sufficiently to need to take further action. The haematologist described it as like having a "four cylinder engine but only running on three". Would I have agreed to starting Azathioprine back in 1998 if I knew then what I know now? Yes. For nearly ten years it kept surgery at bay so that when the knife became inevitableI was in a much better position both financially and mentally to cope.
I've added a couple of posts on my blog detailing the tests and the conclusion. It's all here : http://goo.gl/f4hf5H
