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lower platelets caused by stomach issues?

JennaShi profile image
11 Replies

Doc thinks my low platelets are caused by my stomach issues however I shared this with the x ray tech when I got my upper GI today and by the look on his face he was thinking no. Results were posted today and I didn't get a call from my primary so I'm guessing I didn't have any bad stuff pop up or anything serious atleast. however the barium and or sugary drink has got me not feeling so hot (stomach upset and achy limbs) no fever from what I can tell through thermometer). I have been told this is normal.

I guess may stomach feeling upset is not that big of a deal. There are days that I dread eating and then I have days like Sunday where I successfully ate almost a full slice of pita bread with hummus and stomach wasn't terrible (maybe pain 2 or 3). I still have bowel issues however no longer diarrhea but its either smaller pieces or nothing and Primary last said that it was borderline overactive? Well then why isn't it coming out like it should? (insert laugh here). Sorry for the rant, I just wanna be better. Any one else relate?

Maybe all the vitamin D and low amount of supplements are somewhat helping to stabilize immune system? Hard to tell what is helping and what is not sometimes.

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JennaShi profile image
JennaShi
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11 Replies
Shooshpsu profile image
Shooshpsu

So....are you concerned about stomach issues or ITP? One has nothing to do with the other. You just briefly mentioned a low platelet count.. How low? Were you actually diagnosed with ITP? Any treatment?

JennaShi profile image
JennaShi in reply to Shooshpsu

Hi Shooshpsu, I have not been diagnosed with ITP, and my platlets have been low for quite some time, just not a count of say 5. I have lab results showing that they have been going down pretty consistently but lowest has been 113 so far. Right now just trying to get a diagnosis and would like not to get any lower. Doc thinks that they are going low because of whats been going on with my stomach. I’m concerned about both

technogeek profile image
technogeek

maybe the Doc was suggesting a leaky gut.

Cushomba profile image
Cushomba

Hi JennaShi,

I'm concerned you are drawing rapid conclusions with little information. I understand that you are somewhat anxious for answers. ITP can leave you feeling helpless at times.

I have never heard of an ITP connection with stomach problems. In any case you first need clarification on what your doctor meant. When I was experiencing ITP, as an RN, I was never shy about asking about all possible links, drugs, other health issues, anything and everything that might give me some means of combating ITP. The best information came from a Hematologist @ Duke Medical. I eventually understood that the condition is called "Idiopathic" for good reason.

Bottom line, the Medical Community doesn't fully understand this illness. My only advise would be to see a Hematologist for the best guidance in making treatment decisions. You are certainly not alone. I wish you well.

JennaShi profile image
JennaShi in reply to Cushomba

Thank you for your kind words of advice and encouragement. I posted this on here because that is what she suggested and I wasnt so sure about her suggestion and you’re right, I should ask her, thank you. I will most definitely consider this if my platelets drop lower, the lowest they have gone is 113 but still bounce around so right now its not something to be seriously concerned (more naturally curious amd trying to anticipate future) about I think as I’ve seen some people have counts way lower.

Kyriak51 profile image
Kyriak51

How low are your platelet counts, have you been diagnosed with ITP by hematologist? Sorry you you had to undergo an upper GI what was your doctor’s rationale for the test, what was his initial diagnosis? Vitamin D and supplements are not aren’t going to stabilize your immune system! I hope you’re able to find a competent doctor to diagnose and treat what ever condition you have, good luck and be well;)

JennaShi profile image
JennaShi in reply to Kyriak51

The lowest so far has been 113, however they have been continually lowering. I have not been to a hematologist and not diagnosed with ITP, however I am curious about it. My primary doc thinks low plt is die to my stomach issues, and sp she says that the upper GI is needed to help get more information for a referral to a Gastroenterologist.

Have you heard or balancing th1 and th2 supposedly dealing with vitamin deficiencies (as well as vD/K2/ if you are deficient, omega fatty acid) eliminating igg reactant foods, and gluten/ dairy helps balance the immune system and call off the attack on your body. That is what i was referring to. Thank you, I hope so too! It seems to be my immune system.

inxs1212 profile image
inxs1212

i got diagnosed with colitis 2 years ago and at the same time i got diagnosed with itp,ihave had steroids which only worked until i come off them,then had ritoximal which worked for two years and then platelets dropped again,to cut a long story short my gastro then introduced me to octasa granuals which i take to stop the colitis bleeding in large intestine,a soon as i started this medicine my bleeding stopped and platelets went from 100,two weeks later 234 and two weeks after 338,hemo putting it down to my colitis because when i was bleeding inside for say a week my platelets were getting used up continuously going to that part of my intestine.

JennaShi profile image
JennaShi in reply to inxs1212

Wow! Did you had an assumption of what was going on or were you surprised? It sounds like the octasa granuals are working. Thats quite a jump, have you felt any different? Better or worse?

inxs1212 profile image
inxs1212

feel back to normal,going toilet normal and not worrying about platelets as much,i kind of figured it was colitis bleeding causing it but hemo wanted to try all other tests to rule out other stuff that causes itp.

JennaShi profile image
JennaShi in reply to inxs1212

Thats wonderful!! So glad that you are feeling back to normal and that it wasnt something else! Thank you for sharing your story with me inxs1212! :)

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