depression

[Melgallagher76]

my husband has Itp and is very very depressed and tired.

We don’t know if it’s a side effect of his medication but he’s constantly

Exhausted and is very down.

Does anyone know of anything we can try ?

[itplassne]

The tiredness could just be "normal" fatigue (that a large number of people with ITP experience) but has he had his iron/ferritin level checked? (I have intermittent anaemia to counter which take iron supplements.) It might be worth asking about the next time he is seen by the haematologist.

[Melgallagher76 in reply to itplassne]

hi thanks for your reply we just presumed that because he gets his bloods took every week that would be one of the things he would be getting tested for.

So I will definatley ask

[RachelP03]

A lot of tests you’d assume would be taken as he’s having regular bloods are not sadly! I’d ask for Vit D, active B12, folate, ferritin (alongside full iron panel) as well as full thyroid screne (this is TSH, FT4, FT3, and the antibodies (TPO, TPAG I believe for Hashimotos etc), normal test for thyroid is usually just TSH which isn’t adequate). If you can afford it, a lot of companies offer private finger prick self test kits which are very very efficient eg monitor my health; blue horizon; medichecks; randox to name a few. Quite often discounts are offered. Lots of papers linking ITP with low thyroid hormone. Depression also a symptom of low thyroid! Hope this helps.

[hifi]

it happens,I was also in the same situation once we make up our mind and have a strong will power we can over come it easily.I was diagnosed 10yrs ago

[NickyD]

Hang on in there. Fatigue is a common side effect, many of us with ITP have had and still have it. Take care.

[Mesd]

Fatigue unfortunately is just part of an ongoing issue with ITP, sometimes it's just a mental thing along with medication and how the body is dealing with it all. The depression side is the mental part of being in a position of not in control of the situation which unfortunately all of us go through. Try and stay strongand positive for him .

[christfollow]

yes , fatigue mainly due to low platelets. But also due to stress and anxiety. I went through depression when I was diagnosed, it was tough road but overcame it slowly by gods Grace. Looking at all the posts I see everyone goes through it. My prayers for your family.

[Knina]

I was very fatigued and also loosing hair badly. I forced doctors to check my vitamins D and B12. They were very low. After taking supplements for a few months I do not feel so tired, but still get tired easily. Please check bits and thyroid as many here recommend.

[Knina in reply to Knina]

They have also checked ferritin since I am borderline anemic

[itplassne]

I was listening to Woman's Hour yesterday, and the interviewee mentioned a guide to dealing with fatigue produced by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, which might be useful for your husband to read. Go to rcot.co.uk and look for 'how to manage your energy levels'.

[Anthonyh7]

Plenty of presentations on Fatigue and ITP on our You Tube Channel at youtube.com/@ITPSAUK/videos

Hope they help.