My daughter has just been diagnosed with itp

[Mentalmads]

Her platelet count was 2 on Saturday, what can the school do to keep her safe , during school hours thanks

[scaryteacher]

No contact sport, keep an eye in the playground etc, but not much else they can do really. Having ITP means you have to find a way to live with it, rather than letting it rule your (or in this case, your daughter's) life. I taught full time with it, and yes, I got knocked and bruised as I moved around school, but that's standard.

There is a correlation between ITP and fatigue, and if she is old enough, make sure she gets a flu jab each year, as that helps with the germ pool at school, and also the pneumonia jab which I think is a one off jab. There were several winter terms when I was still standing and teaching, and colleagues who hadn't had the flu job were off sick, so it does work.

[Mentalmads in reply to scaryteacher]

Thank you , not sure our school would of had many cases as it's quite small

[scaryteacher in reply to Mentalmads]

Not many schools will even be aware of ITP as it is not all that well known. All you can do is make them aware in writing of what is happening and ask them to give you written confirmation of what they propose. A lot will also be down to your daughter to be sensible in how she behaves and not to rough house in the play ground, or play touch rugby/hockey etc. The PE department in particular does need to be aware.

[Mentalmads]

Thanks , it's defently given me something to email the head mistress with , she's only 4 and just started full time, she has fallen off the bed today and has a few more bruises on her back we go back to hospital on the 4th of nov , fingers crossed it starts to rise soon , I feel so helpless.

[scaryteacher in reply to Mentalmads]

Sorry, been away, so have just seen this. Go and see the head and your daughter's class teacher and talk to them about it, and follow up with a letter, and also links to the ITP websites, the UK one and the US one, to give them an idea that this is something that can affect your lass. A letter from the Doc might help as well.

It is really important you do this, as if your lass has frequent bruises, alarm bells may start to ring, and teachers want to cover their arses, so you may get referred to child protection. If you make sure all the ducks are in a row by having a meeting, and then follow up with a letter, sent Registered Signed For, (so they cannot say they haven't got it), then that will have to be on file. Emails are deniable!

This may sound OTT, but, better safe than sorry, especially when something like ITP is little known.

[Mentalmads]

I have been for a meeting with the school , also gave them a copy of the admission letter and diagnosis from the hospital, also gave them the links to both web sites , they have been very understanding and helpfull, she has been back at school almost a wk and fingers crossed all is going to plan x

[scaryteacher in reply to Mentalmads]

Brilliant -you're covered and she's being looked out for. Result! Hope all continues to go well for all of you. It's scary, ITP when first diagnosed, but liveable with.

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

There is also a mobile phone/tablet/desk top computer ITP Support Association APP which is useful to download and show to schools, play groups, sports clubs, etc.... It is available free of charge from .... itpsupport.weejot.com/mobile/

[Mentalmads in reply to AnthonyHeard]

Thanks will get the app