[David M]

All,

Here's a question re: Promacta...

I'm 60 years old, in pretty good health -- other than having moderate aplastic anemia. My situation is (so far) we are monitoring my blood counts every few months, and over the years (since roughly 2000) they have been pretty stable -- low counts, just not dangerously low.

My HGB tends to run in the 9.0 - 10.0 range... I believe 14.0 (and above) is the "normal" for a male my age. Although I have the stamina to go to work every day, to do yard work (if I take lots of breaks), and do some moderate exercise (again, with lots of breaks), my endurance is annoyingly short. I find myself huffing and puffing and having to sit down after a short time of exertion. I'm not a total slug at this point -- I still get up and about and do things that require energy -- I just tire out too quickly... and I sometimes talk myself out of taking on some tasks that I would have done if I felt I had the energy (if that makes sense).

Overall, I'm not on any medications, not needing transfusions, have no abnormal bruising or bleeding, and am not having overly frequent infections (just the normal amount anyone would have). Platelets tend to run in the 40-80 range; neutrophils in the 1.1-1.5 range; HGB in the 9.0-10.0 range.

My question is -- should I request my hematologist to prescribe me Promacta? Would the reward be worth the risk? If it boosted my red counts to the point my HGB went up to ~14, would it really make that much difference? How do I make this decision?

Any wisdom you folks can share would be welcome.

Thanks in advance!