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idiopathic thrombocytopenia(ITP)

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My last platelet count last year was about 67? I don't remember but it was around the high 50's, perhaps in the 60's. It was stable around those numbers for several years and ITP hadn't affected me in any way. Last year my doctor told me to look up ITP on the website WebMD. He told me: if I wake up in the morning with bruises all over my body, or if I suddenly experience uncontrolled bleeding for no apparent reason, to go to a doctor or emergency room immediately. He then said to "think about it and don't think about it," so as not to let those fears run my life, I suppose. A few weeks ago he told me to look up Petechiae, which is when a person has pinpoint red or purple spots on the body. The last time I saw a haematologist was last year. After several appointments spaced six months apart, he told me not to go back to him unless I have a problem with ITP. I noticed bruising above my left ankle for several weeks but I didn't think much of it. I thought it was minor, with no injury that I can remember (perhaps it is) and that it would go away on its own. My doctor is on vacation for another week. Two days ago I went to the walk-in clinic which is where they also have family practice and was examined by another physician. She sent me for a blood and urine test, and also x-rays of my left tibia, which hurt when she ran her fingers along it. It also hurts where the bruises are. My whole left leg also hurts, as does my right leg but not as bad. I decided to wait to ask my doctor for the test result(s). I'm hoping ITP is not "catching up" to me. I'm a little bit nervous and hope it's not bone cancer. I tend to think the worst and sigh with relief afterwards. Silly, huh? Anyway, I don't think it's anything serious. What do you think about my symptoms? Are they in keeping with ITP? I'm in good general health, but I should get more sleep.
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replied October 5th, 2010
If u have ITP and its bad u will know it. I only know worse case scenario. U will bruise touching anything. Also i knot with be with it. It it gets like that Your platlets are super low. U will also get little red dots everywhere. Kindof like a hikey that people put on necks. ITP is horrible for me even know they already removed my spleen
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replied October 5th, 2010
The walk-in MD called me in for the test results and says the count is at 90, which is high for me. She says it's abnormal but I feel fine. Blood and urine test results are fine too. X-Rays are fine too. Now the bruises are almost all gone. Probably low platelets that caused the bruising and took several weeks to fade.
My lower left leg is still tender, though, and I'm grateful it's nothing serious.
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replied October 6th, 2010
I am very happy for u. I will keep u in my prayers. ITP is a horrible thing. I think. I have suffered for 5 years without my spleen.
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replied May 7th, 2012
I'm also an itp patient... went through 2 steroid treatments 7 years, the treatment didn't really work for me because my count drops with the decrease of dosage. I gave up on the treatment and just go for check up once in a while. for many years, itp didn't bother me, I thought by ignoring it will make me normal again. this morning I woke up with spots around my ankles, I'm really nervous. I hope that after a good night sleep the spots will all disappear. I really dont want to go through that again
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