I think I have Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Hi @loribmt ,
I know you mean very well, but with all due respect, it is also important to question doctors who make a diagnosis without really knowing for sure what someone does or does not have, especially when they really are not experts. Also, many of the responses from Google and AI on conditions come from Mayo Clinic I have found. While I do not rely on Google or AI to diagnose what I might of might not have, I do use it to research all that is known about issues so I am informed patient. I have found many current scientific documents that way.

Hi @1pearl.
You and I are in 100% agreement, doctors can certainly miss the mark sometimes. If we’re uncomfortable with a diagnosis or discussion we’ve had regarding our health, we absolutely need to ask questions. I would have been dead 7 years by now had I not vehemently disagreed with my doctor’s diagnosis. So yes, we definitely need to be our own health advocates. Like you, I also use the internet to research information on a diagnosis I’ve received so that I’m an informed patient. My doctors are all in agreement with that. An educated patient can help with clearer, informative decision making.
My comments about self-diagnosing and using online AI resources still stand. While the internet has certainly opened up the world of helpful information to us, AI generated response are not always accurate. I’ve found many errors or contradicting/conflicting information while comparing AI generated responses to information from the trusted institutional sites, with current studies and papers, where I do my research for many of the replies I give here.

Other concerns of mine are how easily these searches can lead a patient down a rabbit hole of information that doesn’t even apply to them. I’ve talked with many people over the years. Some were so certain of their conclusion, because of what Dr Google said, that they became physically ill with worry, only to find out the internet steered them in the wrong direction because there are many illnesses which can share similar symptoms but aren’t directly related. While some people use the information to direct them to the appropriate care, others use it to self-diagnose and self-treat. There is also a risk of becoming so certain that their self-diagnosis is correct that it is difficult to accept a different diagnosis from a health-care professional.

Anyway, that’s my 2 cents worth. I hope you see we’re on the same page with researching. Everything in moderation and perspective. ☺️

My Dad had ITP and it is a scary disease. He would just start bleeding on some days. If you think you have this and your platelets are low, see a hematologist for answers. His platelets were not a little low, they were very low,

For Dad the diagnosis came after persistent observation of his platelet count. He was in his 40’s when diagnosed but my grandmother always referred to him as a hemophilic as a child so we think it was life long, We think they just put a name finally as to why he bled so easily.

Dad also, like me was high IgM and may have been hyper M. Along with the ITP, he was always getting sick

@koneil
Take the advice of see a hematologist and get a bone marrow biopsy. This will give the clear path to take. Try to stay positive. What ever your diagnosis there is so many new medicines out almost monthly to treat blood diseases. Prays for you, you’re not alone. Keep us posted.

What is your platelet count?

I don't know the numbers, but the chart showed my platelet count on the line between normal and low.
My next appointment is on Monday afternoon . I'll kept y'all posted.

@koneil That is not very low so you have some time to find out what is going on. I'm glad your apt is soon. let us know how it goes.