Say that five times fast! LOL I abbreviate always and just say ITP but it still leaves people confused, what the heck is that?! Most people have never heard of it and neither had I until I was diagnosed. Even now a year and a half later I’m still learning so much about it.
Let me share a little with you!
ITP is a blood disease/disorder that means low platelets and your blood doesn't clot like it's supposed to.
It is not hereditary
It is not contagious
They do not know why it happens
There is no cure
Affects 3 adults per every 100,000
Affects more women than men usually between the ages of 30 - 60 (I was diagnosed at 35)
Women are three times more likely to have chronic ITP
More common in children than adults
There are three phases of ITP
Newly diagnosed - within 3 months from diagnosis
Persistent - 3 to 12 months from diagnosis
Chronic - lasting for more than 12 months (this is me)
The only way to know that your platelets have dropped is through a CBC blood test. Although you can't know for sure until a blood test, often times your body will give you signs that your platelets are low. Such as:
Easy bruising
Bloody gums
Petechiae on the legs
Heavy menstrual cycles
Nose bleed
Exhaustion
I do want to note that there are people who suffer from severe ITP regularly. Their numbers are low daily. I'm fortunate to have fairly stable platelets (above 150) MOST of the time. My problem is, when they drop, they REALLY drop! There is no one face of this disease. Some people take steroids daily for years, some people get transfusions weekly, it all depends on the severity of your ITP. I'm thankful to only have it bad a few times a year.
Some great information:
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