ITP or something else?

[sms3207]

About a month ago my father passed away suddenly from an intercranial hemorrhage caused by a platelet count of 2,000. It was determined that ITP was the most likely cause. I know ITP is not a hereditary disease, but in the mean time my father's sister has had a TIA. She delayed going to the hospital for over a week and when she went they discovered her blood is not clotting properly and her platelet count is low. (I do not not know the specifics but it is not critically low as my father's was) In addition to this my paternal grandfather had AML a few years back. Now I am concerned that ITP did not cause my father's death and it may have been a congenital form of thrombcytopenia. Of course this has me thinking and probably over reacting regarding to some issues I have always considered "normal" for me. I have several nose bleeds a year I have always blamed on dry air, in the past I have had heavy menstrual periods (this is now controlled by depo injections), I also have issues with small amounts of bleeding after intercourse (sorry if this is TMI), I have had rectal bleeding attributed to anal fissures (typically several times a week, again probably TMI), my gums occasionally bleed when I brush my teeth, and I have always seemed to bruise easily. I could be completely over reacting which is why I am posting on a forum. I'm just looking for an objective opinion, should I raise my concerns with my doctor and ask to have blood work done or am I over reacting due to the shock and grief of my father's death?

[Minxx91]

I have itp.  And we'll its a *****......  I've been fighting it like crazy but no u have nothing to worry about it can happen to anyone just keep healthy and no its not herititary.  Keep ur liver cleansed and u should be fine.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your father. However, since there have been other cases of blood related problems in the family and since you also appear to be having bleeds, it is important to get a complete clotting profile done—clotting factors, blood counts, absolute platelet count, bleeding time, clotting time etc. Please consult your PCP immediately for these tests and get an urgent referral for a hematologist. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.