Bruises

[Topography52_-]

Can I ask a silly question why is bruising bad in itp I am bruising very easily at the moment mainly yellow colour and some deep purple not with banging myself just appearing and random purpura on my leg and torso not noticeable unless looking for it I keep forgetting to ask my hematologist advice please : ))))

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

I would suggest you Go and get a blood test. It could be that your platelets are low and hence it could be the reason for your bruising and purpura Best to get checked out.

[Topography52_- in reply to AnthonyHeard]

I went yesterday platelets 34 I have a SOS plan I will be fine thank you : ))))

[dede7]

For me it would last a long time and got so discolored people thought I was getting abused

I find vitamin c helps tremendously for this!

[Topography52_- in reply to dede7]

I can't have citrus fruit or drinks : (((( that's another story .

[Kyriak51]

Bruising is bleeding and is the result of low platelet counts, as you know platelets are essential in the clothing process..kyriak51

[Topography52_- in reply to Kyriak51]

Know my platelets are low 34 as I had bloods done yesterday guess why bruises popping up oh well onwards upwards thanks guys / gals

[dede7]

You can try a vitamin tablet for vitamin c or I also take pomegranate extract

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

One of the many difficult things with ITP is that we all get symptoms at different platelet levels. So for example, one person might get bruising once the platelet count goes below 50, whilst another sufferer might see no bruising until platelet count goes into single figures. The same goes for other symptoms, like nose bleeds, gum bleeds, blood in urine, stools etc. Some people of course get no bleeding at all (like me, I only get bruising ). As a very general rule of thumb my specialist suggests that any platelet count under 30 usually gives some bruising but as stated nothing is definite. You just have to keep vigilant and look out for anything suspicious.

[Topography52_- in reply to AnthonyHeard]

I had a bad episode of shingles in December my hematologist put my itp down to that something is still lingering I assume we will play a waiting game ..... I had a fuzzy head yesterday woke up this morning feeling the same little rash on arm and on torso I am now wondering if my shingles are making an appearance even though I know this is rare .

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

I also had shingles at Christmas 2009. It was due to my immune system being suppressed from taking Prednisolone for 3 years on and off. Sadly shingles as you probably know is the chicken pox virus. Once you have had chicken pox at any time in your life the virus remains in your system forever, albeit dormant in the spine. It can be reawakened at any time, especially if you have a weakened, suppressed immune system. It may be that it has reawakened in your system. I still get itchiness down the left hand side of my back albeit this is just the aftereffects of having the shingles in 2009 (the virus itself is dormant again but it damaged my nerve endings when it did attack in 2009 and they have not repaired properly).

Shingles can be very very nasty and can lead to complications like severe headaches, eye problems so it is worth getting it checked.

Shingles attacks the nerve endings and spreads outwards from the spine along the nerves. So it can run anywhere into the back, neck, head.

[Topography52_- in reply to AnthonyHeard]

I lost vision in my left eye due to optic neuritis i was then put on steroids for 3 months to help with the swelling this incident happened 3 years ago ..... diagnosed with itp in December mentioned steroids suppresses your immune system now I am cautious.

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association in reply to Topography52_-]

Treatments for ITP are of 2 basic types... 1) Immune Suppressants like Steroids (Prednisolone), Rituximab, Azathioprine, Mycophenolate, Danazol as examples or 2) Platelet production stimulation agents like N-Plate, or Eltrombopag. The second group are quite new and have been specifically used for ITP. Results from them have been very encouraging although it is still quite early days.

The other more radical option is splenectomy, which is done less and less these days, albeit for some it still might be the best option (especially if all other options have not worked). As ever it is a matter of each individual case being treated differently depending on situation and history

[Topography52_- in reply to AnthonyHeard]

I am OK without any medication and I have my SOS plan so for now my weekly blood tests will do I have decided thank you have a good day :)))

[sailor]

You have some very good answers but non have answered your direct question why is bruising bad in ITP. The answer is, the cells in our veins and arteries are continually breaking down and being replaced with new cells. This is normal regeneration. To assist this process, the platelets form a shield to prevent bleeding. However, if we have fewer platelets, than the shield is weaker and so blood will escape and show as a bruise. This is all normal, except for the number of platelets we have in our blood. We all suffer from this but the counts will vary from patient to patient. I found even with a low platelet count of my normal 10, my bruising became less, the longer I had ITP with the count of 10, but surprisingly the bruising increased when my count increased. Why we will never know. Is it bad ? not necessarily. I would say it is quite normal providing you are not bleeding from your nose, mouth or other areas. Just be mindful of the bruising and do not partake of dangerous sports or past-times.

[Topography52_-]

Thank you I am feeling a little under par to be honest but hey ho onwards and upwards a nice cup of tea helps going to put the kettle on : ))) good to hear from you it is always an informative read .

[Kifah90]

People who have ITP may have signs of bleeding, such as bruises (purpura) that appear for no reason or tiny red dots (petechiae) that are visible on the skin. ... . And when it's below 10,000 that's when doctors worry the most about it.

[Toughytoughy]

Appearances of bruises is considered an indication that your body is asking for attention.

Nothing is silly when we are dealing with auto immune disorders. :)Even doc dont have clue of either cause or remedy. Just managing symptoms by various medications.

How was your vacation ? All well ?

[Topography52_- in reply to Toughytoughy]

My vacation is in May thank you for asking it will be fine as for my body asking for attention could not agree more I need chocolate : ))) I find lighthearted banter a good source of dealing with itp :)))

[Julie115]

Hi I have itp with brusing and nose bleeds I see a Hematologist wen they did more blood tests on me I also found out I had MGUS