Today is rare disease day. I wasn't going to post anything because I am exhausted but as I deal with my 5th nosebleed of the day, it makes more sense to share. As some of you know I have ITP. 3 long words that break down to I sometimes have low platelets because my body has attacked itself. This means anywhere between I will bruise extra easy to I could bleed out from a nosebleed or a cut. ITP is different with each person. My doctor has said I have chronic acute ITP because my lows don't last too long (thanks to meds) but I've had more than 2 episodes.
One of the reasons why I ask my friends and family to not come near me if they have been sick or around someone is sick is because every time my platelets have dropped it has been because I was sick. When I get sick, because of my autoimmune issues, I often get sicker than the normal person. A cold for some people can last a week, for me, it could last a month. Any illness could cause my platelets to drop but the 3 times it's happened in the past it was because I had a cold that turned into pneumonia and/or the flu. When my platelets drop they drop fast. The normal range is 450000 to 250000 When mine drop they drop down to < 10000 and it happens very fast. I get headaches, I get fatigued, my gums bleed, I have nosebleeds that last longer than an hour and I get petechia that starts on my legs and works it way up. Petechia is "caused by bleeding out into the skin".
It is a scary disease that can be deadly. This is why it's so important that people tell me when they are sick and or if they've been around someone sick so I can take precautions. When my platelets drop the only way my Drs have been able to get my platelets back up is by a chemo drug via IV. It is not fun, I always have an allergic reaction, I am tired and worn out for the 3 months of the meds and for a while afterward.
That's all for now. Sept is ITP awareness month and I'll touch more on it then. If you have questions feel free to ask!
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