The doc visited my room today and informed me that I have Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP. Usually having a name for something or diagnosis is comforting. Now that I know what it is, I can deal with it. But ITP is different. The "idiopathic" part of the disease means that they really don't know what causes your immune cells to stand up and wage war on your platelets.
The docs are also pretty sure my ITP isn't related to leukemia. The theory is that my recent ankle surgery stirred my still-somewhat-immunosuppressed immune system and ... viola! ... Trouble.
So far, I've had one infusion of platelets, which gave me a count boost from 9-40 and they've been on the way down again ever since: 31, 21, 16, 15. I'm now getting Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Treatment, a blood product that's meant to help eliminate the bad antibodies. Hopefully my platelets will stabilize tomorrow and I'll be able to go home. We'l see.
cheers,
Katie
Comments (4)
Katie,
I'm so sorry to hear that you have to be back in the hospital again! I was working at UC today, and Ryan told me which room you were in, so i went up to see if I could see you, but it looked like you might be sleeping and I didn't want to bother you. Hope that you get out of there soon!!
Much love,
Karen
Posted by Karen | June 22, 2009 3:31 PM
Posted on June 22, 2009 15:31
aw man!
Posted by Shona | June 22, 2009 6:29 PM
Posted on June 22, 2009 18:29
Hey Katie,
Tara told me you were back in the hospital and I wanted to let you know that we are all sending healing thoughts and love your way. It was really great to see you and I'm putting my energy out there that we can see each other soon for a family play date picnic. Hope that tomorrow or very very soon your doc gives the OK and sends you home.
Hugs,
-Marie
Posted by Marie | June 22, 2009 7:14 PM
Posted on June 22, 2009 19:14
Hello Katie,
I'm Denise from the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Our organization helps patients and their families cope with the challenges of transplant by providing information and support services.
We just wanted you to know that we are out there. We have a number of survivorship programs, including telephone education/support groups and an upcoming Long-Term Survivorship Guide for BMT (out this fall). I'd like to send you a "Help and Hope" bracelet (like the Lance Armstrong bracelets, but for BMT survivors. Please email me if you are interested.
Posted by Denise | June 23, 2009 6:59 AM
Posted on June 23, 2009 06:59