Tired

[Northlea]

Hi all.

Does anyone feel very tired to the Point of falling asleep in front of a pc in the middle of the day?

Do you also lose concentration easily?

[Anthonyh7]

Yes indeed. Tiredness and fatigue is a recognised symptom of ITP albeit many specialists and medical professionals still do not fully acknowledge it.

In my case it was the constant tiredness that prompted me to go to get checked out. I was also getting random purple bruises, especially on my arms, legs and torso. I had no other symptoms. That was back in 2006 and my platelet count was then 4.

The following link may be helpful as it shows fatigue in the symptoms list for ITP ...

itpsupport.org.uk/index.php...

Hope that helps.

[Northlea in reply to Anthonyh7]

Thank you. Will check the links out.

[NickyD]

Hi I agree with Anthony, you can get dragging tiredness with ITP where you just want to sleep all the time. Nicky

[Northlea in reply to NickyD]

Thanks Nicky.

I wonder what causes the tiredness.😩🤔

Really hoping and praying someone finds a cure for us all soon.😊

[NickyD in reply to Northlea]

No idea. Some days it is worse than others but you learn coping strategies. Take care. Nicky

[Northlea in reply to NickyD]

👍👍

[lsued]

Yes, it is a very common symptom of ITP. I've found that walking a few miles every day or exercising has helped me a little.

[Northlea in reply to lsued]

Glad to know I'm not alone. Thank you.

[NickyD]

I have not been able to walk that far in years. Nicky

[Northlea in reply to NickyD]

Sorry to hear that NickyD.

[Anthonyh7]

A theory about the fatigue is that because our immune systems are effectively fighting against themselves and destroying platelets it inevitably produces an element of tiredness. Our bodies are working extra time if you like.

Another aspect is that with all auto immune illnesses a common feature is inflammation which can make for aches and pains which then may make us feel more tired.

Then if you are on steroids to control the platelet count that also causes aches and pains tooo.

[LifeafterITP]

I have seen lots of reports of tiredness affecting people with ITP however it’s not a symptom that affects everyone and that’s probably why some medical professionals do not fully acknowledge it. I have had ITP for 5 1/2 years and even when I was hospitalised with a count of 2 my only symptoms were bruising. I have never experienced fatigue or tiredness with ITP, I’m in my mid 60’s and live a very active life.

Of course my sympathies to those who do get fatigue but just wanted to let any new people know it’s not an automatic symptom.

[Anthonyh7 in reply to LifeafterITP]

That is a great point and worth reiterating.

The many and varied ITP symptoms do not impact on all of us. Some people suffer with some of the symptoms whilst the same symptoms may not have any impact at all for other sufferers.

Like nearly everything about ITP, we are all different, we all react differently to the many treatments, we all suffer differently from the many symptoms and we all experience different side effects from the treatments to varying degrees.

The only thing we can do is be aware of all the potential symptoms and side effects so that we can recognise them if we experience them ourselves.

[conquerator2]

It certainly depends. As far as I know, all immune-related conditions can cause tiredness. I've been symptom-free for the past 4 months; hopefully that'll encourage everyone that it is possible and the feeling of it is incredible, after a very difficult 2018 and 2019. Presently, I do take Rituxan / Mabthera infusions every 3 months and is likely what's been helping immensely.

[Anthonyh7 in reply to conquerator2]

Yes indeed, there are over 80 auto immune illnesses and one of the symptoms that most of them have in common is inflammation. Another common symptom is fatigue/tiredness.

So pleased to hear that Rituximab is working for you. It worked for me when I had it in 2010 and 2013. I got about 2 years and 8 months remission both times but relapsed in Feb 2016. I have been on Mycophenolate Mofetil since then with very good results.... pretty much normal platelet counts ever since.

[conquerator2 in reply to Anthonyh7]

Glad to hear as well! Encouraging