I think I have Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

see another doctor. The itching is petaechia which signals a blood disorder, or bone marrow disorder along with your other symptoms. Maybe get a bone marrow biopsy?

Ask for a referral to a hematologist.

I will. Thanks.

Hi @koneil. It sounds like you have a lot of unanswered questions right now regarding bruising and noticeably longer time for blood to clot.

I’m a little confused. From what I’m aware, IDP is a neurological disorder where there is inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath around nerve tissue. I wonder if you are referring to Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is a bleeding disorder characterized by low platelet counts.

You mentioned an appointment with your primary doctor and they ordered a CBC. Did you receive the results of those labs yet?

Good morning Lori.
No, I haven't received the results yet. My doctor orders labs, and sets an appointment up two weeks after the blood tests. I don't like waiting that long. I'm sure the results are available faster nowadays. I know I'm acting like " the sky is falling" , but it seems as this condition checks all the boxes. I haven't researched ITP that much ( you are correct, not IDP) so I am just plugging in my symptoms. They don't give medical degrees from Google. I am definitely just pulling that diagnosis out of thin air. I, unfortunately, do that quite frequently.
Although I did prolong a knee replacement recently. I went to my knee surgeon and he looked at my xrays and said my left knee had to go. I told my doctor that my knee hurts, but not to the extent, and location of the pain as my right knee that he replaced. I requested a second opinion and the other surgeon said my pain was from a Bakers cyst. He did say that my knee would need to be replaced eventually. I'm glad I postponed the knee replacement. I don't know if my current condition would have made my knee surgery more of a risk.
In any event, yes I am self diagnosing my symptoms. I bet there are a lot of us that do that. I hope whatever it is it's manageable. I'm finally retired at 67, and I have grandbabies to spoil.
I'm wondering if my symptoms could be something I haven't looked into yet. Are there any internet doctors out there that can offer a second opinion?

Hello. I have to correct my previous discussion," I think I have IDP". I am getting terms wrong frequently now. The symptoms I have are bruising on my forearms. Bleeding excessively from small cuts. Little raised up pimple like bumps also on my arms. And also extreme fatigue. I'm already dealing with numerous issues with my lumbar and cervical spine. Right shoulder pain from a botched TRSR surgery. And, last a painful left knee. I'm not going to have my knee replaced at this time. I need to know what these symptoms are first.
I did some initial research with my symptoms?, and ITP checked the boxes. I went to my primary care physician, and he ordered a CBC and other blood tests.
This is completely self diagnosed. I just plugged in my symptoms and ITP showed up.
I know that Google isn't the best diagnostic tool. ITP was the only diagnosis that fits. I have a history of auto-immune disorders, so this just ads to my list. I also have excessive bile diarrhea that Colestipol has worked wonders on. It has made life more bearable.
If anyone has anything to add about my possible blood disorder, I welcome all comments. I know I should not self diagnose, but Im wiling to bet there are more people like me out there.
Blessings.

Hi @koneil. I know we’ve basically just ‘met’ but if I may give a piece of sage advice…I am older than you!! LOL
Please do yourself a favor and stop self diagnosing. Sure, we all do that because the internet makes it so easy for us to get information. And truly, I believe in educating ourselves once we get a diagnosis. But typing in symptoms in chatGPT or elsewhere can lead you down a rabbit hole of misinformation, misinterpretation and unwarranted stress for a diagnosis that may not even apply to you.

Regarding your symptoms of having low platelets. ITP is just one of a number of health conditions related to having low platelets. And the symptoms can all be very relatable to what you’re experiencing. So, to speculate on your health really is just a waste of your time and it’s also an anxiety builder.

The important action was making that appointment with your doctor for blood work. My suggestion, as someone who has had extensive personal experience in blood related issues, is to wait until your consultation for the answers. I know it’s frustrating and takes Herculean effort when you’d like to know what’s going on. However, members in Connect aren’t able to diagnose or offer treatments for you…only your doctor.
I’d like to make sure we keep in touch though. So if/when you do get a diagnosis, will you let me know please?
When is your consultation appointment?

Good morning Lori. I don't know. It's hard to comprehend anyone older than I am.
Perhaps it's my anxieties that I jump to conclusions. The internet doesn't help. It makes it worse.
It's going to be awhile before my doctor gets back to me. My appointment is mid- March. I would hope that if ge observes anything alarming, he will call me in earlier. I think low platelets would be alarming.
I'm sure I'll post about this whenever I receive the results. If you don't see anything I'm on at least four other Mayo health discussions. I'm always posting something, somewhere.
Thank you for the advice. I think I nailed the condition, it's the prognosis that has me concerned.
You are very kind to respond to a post like mine. I was a LEO before I retired, so I kind of treat symptoms like evidence. If it all adds up, it's solved.
Bye for now.

@koneil, I add my welcome. I corrected the title of the discussion and merged the two together. 🙂 Thanks, @loribmt.

Good evening Lori. Thank you. Doesn't it make me look repetitive?
koneil