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Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): What helps?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Mar 19 5:50am | Replies (155)Comment receiving replies
I originally came to connect.mayoclinic.org to learn more about my own MGUS condition.
However, I am now here for my husband. For 2 months, my husband has had red itchy bumps on his legs and lower torso for which his dermatologist and allergist did not have an answer and prescribed a light steroid cream. The itch and pain from the bumps is disturbing his relaxation periods and sleep.
After much nagging from me, my husband finally got his CBC and CMP tests done last week. The tests revealed LOW platelets (which were low last year too but his doctor said don't worry and then his doctor passed away 2 weeks later). He also now has LOW RBC, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit.
Then, I continued my loving nagging for him to either see his new primary care doctor sooner or at least, call her to get his iron and ferritin tests done OR immediately get an appointment with a hematologist/oncologist.
All fell upon his deaf ears and I think he is now scared.
Anyway, he will finally seeing his primary care doctor next week and I am in the process of seeking his OK to come with him to listen and take notes.
My husband is an extremely fit 80 year old and is out hiking in Jockey Hollow National Park (Morristown, NJ) for his usual 5 mile hike and we eat a largely plant based organic diet. We are both fortunate to not be on any medications.
Anyway, I have since done my own googling which finds me here for ITP/TTP. (Please no lectures about googling!) Of course, I hope I am wrong.
TMI (too much information) I am sure so please accept my apologies in advance. Please know that I am grateful for your posts above and thank you all. I will try to report back again.
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Hi @michey. Oh those stubborn husbands! You’re right to lovingly push him to up on that latest blood test which showed a further drop in platelets and and his red blood cells. It may be nothing more than something to raise an eyebrow but the fact that he is seeing some changes means it’s time to take a closer look.
No lectures from me…we’re all guilty of checking out Dr Google. The good “doctor” is all knowing, but unfortunately sometimes all that information leads us down a rabbit hole filled with twists and turns that aren’t even relevant. So, from experience, the best thing to do is wait until you hear what the doctor has to say. And yes, you should go with your husband if he relents, to take notes! All of my doctors/oncologist/hematologists welcomed my husband to appointments. As patients we’re trying to listen to everything with information flying at us 100 mph. So having a spouse or good friend along to grab some notes & give support is an excellent idea.
One note, depending on how low his platelets are your husband might need to avoid knife juggling until he gets in for his visit. But keep up those amazing hikes and good life style. That’s worked well for him (and you) for 80 years with no meds. That was always my goal too…then Mother Nature had a surprise for me…😏. But my medical teams have all said my previous lifestyle is what had me recovering so quickly. Our healthy diets, exercise and positivity most definitely impacts our quality of life.
I know it’s human nature to worry but try not to read too much into these blood tests right now. You also found out you have MGUS, one of a number of watchful waiting conditions that often require no immediate treatments. 🙃Let me know what you find out next week, ok?