Had Stroke And Now On Several Medicine, Have Progressive Drop In Platelet Count. Cause And Treatment?

Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Brief answer...you need to find the cause for this
Detailed answer....
Although the normal platelet vount is between 0000 to 0000 per ml but a real definition of thrombocytopenia is when the number fall below 50,000 and causes problem.
Thete can be various causes for this low number like....
1....Reduced production of platelets as in heavy alcoholism,HIV infection or chemotherapy or in leukemia or FOLIC acid and B12 deficiency
2.....Increased trapping of platelets by enlarged spleen
3....Increased destruction of platelets,as in 
Diseases like idiopathic thrombocytopenia PURPURA
Autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Drugs like anticonvulsant,methotrexate,heparin,sulfa antibiotics,quinine,H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors etc.

In your case NEXIUM could be offending agent.

Treatment involves finding the cause by various blood tests and may be bone marrow biopsy and removing the offending agent,if it is the cause.
Other treatments offered are giving steroids if it is idiopathic thrombocytopenia PURPURA.

You must consult a haematologist,as he would be the right person in diagnosing the cause.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

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Hello,
Although it is not sure that reduction in platelet numbers in you is due to NEXIUM Only,but the fact is that one should not take such types of medications for more than 8-12 weeks.
There can be various types of side effects on prolonged use of such type of medications ( proton pump inhibitors )like...
Infection with clostridium DIFFICILE resulting in diarrhoea
Risks of hip fractures are increased
Deficiency of VIT B 12
Deficiency of magnesium which may result in arrythmias,seizures,muscle spasms etc.

In fact you should be investigated for the cause of persistent heart burn or indigestion by getting a endoscopy done.Your persistent indigestion may be due to esophagitis,hiatus hernia,reflux disease( GERD ).
You should also try to change your lifestyle and eating habits by doing following..
....Avoid taking onions,peppermint,high fatty foods,alcohol etc which cause relaxing of lower esophageal sphincter 
....Avoid caffeinated foods like tea,coffee,colas etc
....avoid citrus fruits like oranges and tomatoes
....avoid lying immediately after taking food
.....avoid taking spicy and fried foods
....take small meals frequently.
....take your dinner 2-3 hours before going to be and it should be light.
...do regular exercises 
...take plenty of water.
I would advise you not to quit your NEXIUM cold XXXXXXX and start taking 20 mg instead of 40 mg and it is better to take it in morning on empty stomach.Take it for another 4- 6 weeks and adopt life style changes and dietary changes.
If your symptoms persist or aggravate,I advise you to consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis of your persistent indigestion.
Thanks

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Hello,
Yes cancer can cause low platelet in blood.
Platelets are manufactured by stem cells,which are present in bone marrow.
Any cancer which destroys the bone marrow can cause low platelet numbers,like...
Leukemias
lymphomas
Even a cancer present in other parts of body and getting metastasised in bone marrow can also close low platelet numbers.
Thanks

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Hello,
Swelling of feet can be caused mainly by NORVASC ( AMLODIPUNE ) and to some extent by MINIORESS ,but these drugs generally cause swelling in both the feet.
I have doubts regarding your swelling in one feet only and that too painful.
Drugs don't cause painful swelling and that too only on one feet.
Painful swelling and that too only on one side is generally due to local cause pertaining to that foot or leg only
It could be an infection on your left ankle or vascular occlusion.
My advice to you is to take an opinion from the specialist.
Thanks

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Hello,
You are most welcome to ask any query anytime.
Best of luck
Thanks

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Hello,

Normally NORVASC is not substituted for mild swelling however if has to be changed, then a diuretic like AQUAZIDE can be added but very frankly speaking,it should be done neither by you or by me but should be done by your treating doctor only.

Thanks

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