Erin, If you don't mind, I'm going to get a little serious here.

Your above normal platelet count, headaches and nosebleeds may only be a side effect of the drugs you are on. But when it comes to health issues, NEVER assume anything when it comes to new symptoms.

Have you gone to a hematologist to talk to them about this? If not, then go. They are the doctors to test you for any clotting issues like APS, Factor V Leiden, etc. And they can run a pro-time/INR too!!!

Have you been evaluated for cardiac or circulatory issues? Had an ECG or echocardiogram? Stress test (though they can be problematic for MGers)?

I just had a situation come up where I had been going to doctors for over four years to try to figure out why my body's fluid system is off (to put it mildly) and why I have hypertension when I never did before. They kept running tests and saying things were fine. One thing lead to another and I did more digging. I found out last week that something serious is going on and these bastards did not take it seriously enough. No, I don't want to go into details - it's too upsetting. The doctors did not ask enough questions but, thankfully, I did. If I hadn't, I don't know how bad this situation would've gotten.

My point is that if you think there is something wrong with your health, do whatever it takes to figure it out and SOON. If you are satisfied with doctors saying it's related to the drugs you are on and you should just keep an eye on things with blood tests every few months, then great. If not, then you should pursue a differential diagnosis.

There are specific reasons why people have strokes and a neurologist who specializes in that would be the one to see to explain it. Probably not your regular neurologist. If you would feel better having a carotid ultrasound or a brain MRI or any other test to classify your risk for strokes because of your Dad, then do that.

There are things you can do, like taking CoQ10 (after you talk to a doctor) that can help with reducing that risk. And refer to Mrs. D's suggestions in your other post. When you're on drugs, it's often necessary to take supplements in order to counteract their effects (i.e., calcium/Vitamin D while on Pred).

Just don't sit around fretting over something; it doesn't do any good. Get someone to figure it all out for you so that you can forget about it and just enjoy an existence that is as health crap-free as you can!

Annie