Hi I'm new to this website and recently diagonosed with ITP has anyone gone through the same & do I need to be worried?

[cookie_04]

I have recently been advised by my GP that a routine blood test had picked up a low platelet count  after I became unwell after having dental treatment (I was not my usual self & had complianed of being under the weather, depressive, moody, weight loss, angry with all around me, lack of sleep & over sleeping still tired when waking, very heavy monthly cycle, no energy, cant keep concentration for long). My GP does not seem that concerned even though my platelet 1st count was 115,000, 2nd test 6 wks later was 133,000. My GP has not given me any meds to help though IM now a bag of bones & being 5ft 9" makes me look more like some one thats been starved to death. I was not happy to be left for 2 months without any help & with no meds from the GP therefore should I be really worried? I have now gone private & have now booked an app to see a Haematogist in London Bridge Hosp (next Monday) as this is all very new to me am I going over the top has anyone gone through something similar whom could ease my brain cells?   thank you :)

[karajo]

Yes, I would like to hear an update.

Meanwhile, I'll be praying :)

[cookie_04]

Hi Karajo, thank you for your kind advice...Im glad you think Im doing the right thing in seeing the hematologist. It bothers me some what and just want to know what caused the low platelet count as you say there are several things that can cause this (there are at least 4 causes from the list you mentioned that I think fits my low count). Thank you Karajo Im more positive today (feels like a good mood & beleive me i have not had one of those for a long time since having this condition :). In a way I cant wait to see the out come so that I control this as best as I can. I have noticed that I bruise more easily, prolonged bleeding, brown/red urine from time to time & I have quite a few tiny pinpoint sized red or purple spots just about all over though my skin some are tiny & can just about be seen. I will add back to the Forum any new findings & results given by the hematologist. Thanks for the tip on the lavender tops I will be sure to have this checked :) Have a good day & BFN

[karajo]

Hi Cookie,
I think you are doing the right thing by seeing a hematologist.  

There are several things that can cause a low platlet count:  
*autoimmune thrombocytopenia.  
*acute blood loss
*drug effects (such as heparin)
*infections w/ sepsis
*entrapment of platelets in an enlarged spleen
*bone marrow failure from diseases such as myelofibrosis or leukemia.  

Platelet counts decrease just before menstruation.  

If you do not have enough platelets in your blood, you may notice signs of bleeding such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from a cut, black or bloody stools, brown or red urine or tiny pinpoint sized red or purple spots on your skin, under your nails or in your gums.  

Be sure your lab is done w/ a test tube that has a green top and not a lavender top. (platelets can clump w/ the lavender tops)