Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): What helps?

Posted by naiviv @naiviv, Sep 2, 2022

Has anyone been diagnosed with ITP? Does anyone take supplements for ITP? Food to eat to increase platelets?

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Profile picture for britt0220 @britt0220

When did you start experiencing MS symptoms?
Right now I am having a lot of MS symptoms but not test positive for it.

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My MS appeared even before my ITP, about 30 years ago. I haven’t had any symptoms worth mentioning since my 2nd bout of optic neuritis 10+ years ago. I am just going to get an MRI with a new neurologist after basically ignoring the diagnosis since pre-covid lockdowns.

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Profile picture for stf @stf

What helps: the only research-based answer to this, if you are looking for over the counter, is Vitamin D, which has a positive effect on many autoimmune conditions. It is not a magic bullet, but I take it because I have both MS and ITP.

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When did you start experiencing MS symptoms?
Right now I am having a lot of MS symptoms but not test positive for it.

REPLY

What helps: the only research-based answer to this, if you are looking for over the counter, is Vitamin D, which has a positive effect on many autoimmune conditions. It is not a magic bullet, but I take it because I have both MS and ITP.

REPLY
Profile picture for britt0220 @britt0220

I found a hematologist that was very knowledgeable on Von Willebrand disease!

The normal Von Willebrand panel I wouldn’t test positive for due to having my spleen removed so, these were the blood test he did>
•Chromogenic Factor VIII Activity Assay, Plasma
•Von Willebrand Factor Activity, P
•Von Willebrand Factor Ag, P

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I’ve had ITP for 25 years. When I was first diagnosed there were 3 main options: prednisone, Ivig, or splenectomy. After about 6 horrible months on prednisone, AntiD research showed good results and I switched to that treatment for several years. (Edit: antiD is no longer available).

I’ve also tried rituxan, which didn’t do much for my counts. Since 2015, I’ve just not treated and counts have stayed between 40-80k.

I’m a candidate for Promacta, but other than when I need surgery my current counts are safe and I don’t treat.

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Profile picture for gwilli @gwilli

I have been dealing with an ITP diagnosis for 1 1/2 years….platelets on a seesaw the whole time. Can you tell me how they finally diagnosed Von Willebrand for you?

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I found a hematologist that was very knowledgeable on Von Willebrand disease!

The normal Von Willebrand panel I wouldn’t test positive for due to having my spleen removed so, these were the blood test he did>
•Chromogenic Factor VIII Activity Assay, Plasma
•Von Willebrand Factor Activity, P
•Von Willebrand Factor Ag, P

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Profile picture for britt0220 @britt0220

I had ITP about 15 years ago and unfortunately for myself after 6 months of every treatment possible my platelets couldn’t rebound. I ended up having to have my spleen removed. After the removal I have been fine. I did find out that I have a genetic bleeding disorder Von Willebrand after the ITP.

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I have been dealing with an ITP diagnosis for 1 1/2 years….platelets on a seesaw the whole time. Can you tell me how they finally diagnosed Von Willebrand for you?

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I had ITP about 15 years ago and unfortunately for myself after 6 months of every treatment possible my platelets couldn’t rebound. I ended up having to have my spleen removed. After the removal I have been fine. I did find out that I have a genetic bleeding disorder Von Willebrand after the ITP.

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Profile picture for docheat72 @docheat72

Good Afternoon,
I am living with MDS and ITP. So far the treatment has been NPLATE whick brought my platelet count from 14K to as high as 68K. Hope this is of some help. I am new to this as I was diagnosed in June of 2025.

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NPLATE only boosts platelet production and requires regular shots. Good treatment until the doctor can figure out the root cause of low platelets.

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Profile picture for denisem20 @denisem20

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.

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My ITP was resolved by Rituxin, and my dosage of Rosuvastatin was reduced to 5mg.

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Profile picture for augustmarie09 @augustmarie09

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.

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My doctors are treating me with NPLATE injections which seem to help some. I hope this helps you.

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