Things to avoid with ITP

Hello, My 3 year old has got ITP (count 14,000 a couple of months ago). The doctors haven't said that there is anything we should avoid, but I have read on the internet that we should not give her Ibruprofen or certain sweeteners(aspertame was 1 I can't remember the other)as they can lower the platelet count. Is this correct?

Hi just wondering if anyone can answer this question? I've been told I need to write an 'action plan' for pre school tonight. After them accusing me of abusing my daughter because of all her bruises, now I have found out that the manager hasn't even told the other staff that I need to be informed straight away if my daughter hits her head hard. I'm really annoyed.

Anyway, I have been making sure that I don't give my daughter anything with sweeteners in just in case after reading that I shouldn't. It is a preschool christmas party tomorrow so they will have squash so I told them not to give her squash with sweeteners in. The preschool manager wants me to write down exactly what she can't have and what needs to happen if she hits her head etc(the 'action plan'). I'm not sure about the sweetener thing so I feel really silly writing it all down if it's not true.

We have a doctors appointment in January so I think I need to ask a few questions, but would really value your advise now.

Sorry, this is all a bit long, but I've got one other question. Can ITP cause tireness? My daughter has been very tired for a long time now. But this last week she has been taking herself to bed loads and having an hour sleep in the day and 12 hours at night. She just wants to sleep a lot at the moment. That just seems a bit excessive to me (she will be 4 in February)and I'm wondering if that could be related to ITP.

Grasshopper:

Some medications can make platelets less sticky, so she should avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories such as Motrin/Advil while her counts are low. How are her counts now?

As for the sweeteners, would they really use aspertame instead of sugar at the school? Most people really don't avoid things when it comes to food. A little bit shouldn't make too much of a difference.

Some people do feel fatigued with lower counts, not all. Maybe she is coming down with something?

It sounds like the preschool is not making your life any easier. It is important to have a plan, but it is not that complicated. I hope they start working with you. I found that my educating the school and getting them some information (from the PDSA) has made our road a little easier. As for being tired, our daughter gets very tired whenever her platelets are low. While all kids are different, it is not uncommon.

Thank you for your replies. I don't know what her counts are at the moment. We've only had 1 test about 2 1/2 months ago. The next one is due in January.

Yes, they do use squash with aspartame at preschool. Everywhere round here seems to buy that squash for children as they think it is better than sugar!

She sould be coming down with something, but although she has been extremely tired the last week or so, she has has been extra tired for a long time.

Don't know whether it is any help, but the attached sheet is what I had to complete for Dougie's school. I've never heard that sweeteners are bad (specifically for ITP that is). Dougie has also had periods of really significant tiredness since having ITP, which I think occur when he has suddenly dropped down countwise - like petechiae, his tiredness seems to result from a drop rather than just a low count. His consultant says it isn't linked .......

Ali