Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): What helps?
Has anyone been diagnosed with ITP? Does anyone take supplements for ITP? Food to eat to increase platelets?
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Hello,
I'm 16 years old and i was diagnosed with ITP in September of 2024. I've had to be taken by ambulance to seattle childrens hospital more than one because i've fallen into critical condition numerous times. My team of doctors have tried every medication including, promacta, doptelet, IVIG, different hormones, and birth control. None of which has seemed to control the bleeding for more than a month. Normally in most cases ITP is curable, but unfortunately my doctors said that i had, had it for so long before being diagnosed and treated that my condition is probably chronic. My family and i are still looking into treatment options such as a splenectomy or having my uterus removed but as of right now we are at a loss. If anyone has any other medications or treatment options that i haven't listed please reach out.
Thank you.
@augustmarie09, you've been dealing with a lot for so long at such a young age. It sounds like you have had a good team of doctors. Have you and your family considered getting a second opinion?
You've probably already seen this web information about ITP in teens, but just in case:
- Teenage ITP https://itpsupport.org.uk/itp-in-teenagers/
Splenectomy is a major surgical procedure and carries a long term risk of severe infection and blood clots. So I can understand why you, your family and your doctors are weighing the options carefully. The webpage above also mentions alternative treatments such as rituximab or the newer TPO-mimetics like Eltrombopag and Nplate as possible treatments. Have those been discussed?
My husband was diagnosed with ITP around 2019. He said he remembers back in the early 2000’s one of his Endocrinologist noticed his platelets were just a bit lower. Never looked at it or was at any concern, yet. Well we came to the conclusion that it was Rosuvastatin that caused the ITP. He stopped taking it but had to get back on it. Anyway, he’s been trying to avoid a splenectomy because he has other conditions that we are afraid it’ll affect it. I’m glad I got to read your story and positive feedback on the splenectomy. Hope you’re doing well. Blessings.