The Struggles of ITP

What is ITP?

Immune Thrombocypenic Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease that causes the antibodies to mount an attack on the platelets. Without a sufficient number of platelets, one is at risk for internal bleeding and bleeding that will not stop from a minor cut. Weekly blood draws are necessary to monitor the count. The normal platelet count is between 150,000-450,000. When the count drops to around 10,000, one is at risk for spontaneous internal bleeding and is rushed to the hospital for IV treatment. There is currently no cure or reason why ITP affects people all all gender, age, and race.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Prednisone

I started prednisone shortly after being diagnosed in 2011. I suffered terrible side effects and withdrawal when I was taken off of this medication. I believe this picture speaks for itself!

Boyfriend and Sisters at ITP Walk 💜

Hospital Stays

"You don't look sick."

Bone Marrow Biopsy and Spinal Bruising

Bruises

I am not self conscious. But I am embarrassed of my bruises.

They cover my legs. Little fingerprint bruises scattered all over. I can't wear shorts or dresses without thinking everyone is looking at my bruises. I wear sweaters in the summer to cover my track marks from blood draws and infusions. I should embrace it and accept these imperfections; however, I feel as if I am advertising my disease.

I am not a victim of child abuse or domestic abuse. I am a sufferer of an under publicized, unknown bleeding disorder called Immune Thrombocypenic Purpura.