ITP - do I have a concern?


Question:
My mom had Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, had a splenectomy, yrs later died of lung cancer. I'm 53 and had labs done 4 yrs ago - CBC and differential and all were normal, but I bruise easily and have petechia, especially in abdominal area. Dr said the petechiae was no big deal, but this and bruising are indicators of ITP. Do I need to be concerned, checked more in depth? I just found out I have possible hypothyroidism, with TSH and thyroid peroxidase antibodies hi also. Are these related? Experts needed for advice!!

Answers:
If it were me I would be asking for more tests to determine why you have the petechiae and bruising...they are not normal and something is going on (even if it isn't thrombocytopenia purpura)
If you have ITP, then a CBC will show a low platelet count. If your platelets are normal, then there may be other causes for your bruising, such as common medications. If your doctor cannot find a cause, perhaps you should see a hematologist. A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in blood disorders.
I am a doctor though not an expert. I will try.
You need to get a check up again, although it would have been possible to diagnose ITP during the last work up 4 years back.
Hypothyroidism needs treatment by itself and that's all you need now. I don't think there will be anyother problem. The check up is just to make sure you don't worry.
The cause for petechiae- your doctor is right. We occasionally get it due to many reasons, like food or drug allergy, calcium or vitamin deficiency etc.
Good luck!
You should see a hematologist and have them do another CBC, since you say the last one done was years ago. ITP can range anywhere from just having below average platelets, all the way down to almost none, and it can change within a matter of weeks. I was diagnosed with ITP in 2002 when my platelet levels were at 1000. I was bruising heavily, had feminine bleeding (with clotting) that wouldn't end, and petechia on my stomach and arms. I went from normal and active to this condition wreaking havoc on my body within a month. My point is, labs done 4 years ago don't mean anything and you should go see a Dr.
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