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Hi Dear PDSAers,

It's been a while since I've posted. I usually post when I am stressed, this time is no different..
My wife has had ITP for a few years, and her numbers were around 80-110 without treatment with lowest at 47K for a very short period.

Now she is pregnant, and her numbers are constantly going down, now reaching 50K mark. She is just @ Week 17, and I am really scarred. Both her OB and High Risk Pregnancy Clinic called her to ask that she would make an appointment with her Hematologist...

I guess I already know most of the stuff there are to know about how to treat ITP, and when not to treat, but i'm still scared as f*** and need to vent.

So vent complete,
Signing off...

Congratulations! It's a shame that you have this added stress right now, but chances are, things will be just fine. 50k is still a safe number.

Many women here have had babies successfully with ITP. One woman here just delivered a few weeks ago, and she was one of the hardest ITP cases I've ever seen. She had IVIG throughout the entire pregnancy because her counts were always in single digits. All went well. You can read through the threads, her name is Keli.

If you have some good doctors on your side, they will manage this and prevent complications. Take one day at a time and before you know it, that baby will be here!

Your wife is holding up really well. Don't be worried. I have ITP too and was in a mini remission pre pregnancy with counts in the 80's.

I am 23 weeks pregnant now and have been on steroids since I was about 14 weeks when my platelets finally dipped to the teens. My hematologist has kept me on a low dose of steroids between 10 - 20 mg. on my lucky days my count goes to the 50's but I am usually in the 20's and 30's. I've had IVIG once during the pregnancy but that was early on and my hematologist believes keeping me on a low dose of steroids is better than putting me frequently through IVIG. Closer to delivery I may get IVIG again.

Other than that I just pray always for a healthy baby. Most of the articles I've read suggest steroids may only impact baby's development in the first trimester...the biggest risk being a cleft palette. However many women have had healthy babies while on steroids.

The only other things your wife may experience is a bloody nose especially if the air is dry. I get that often so I spray saline into my nose to keep it moist. Bleeding gums are another pregnancy thing even for moms without ITP. I rarely experience that unless I brush super hard.

I pray a lot too and I think all 3 docs I am seeing will do their best to bring my little one safely here.

Good luck

Sandi/MDgal,

Thanks for the reassuring words, You guys should introduce online hugs or something, I could really use one now.

As for our Hemo, I don't know how good he is, as she (wife) never needed any treatment. Numbers were never below 47K. That is the absolute lowest. I just hope things stay like this... She is willing to give birth without Epidoral, and would prefer that over ITP treatment that's for sure.

I'll update if anything interesting happens.

Yo!

So, last count was 53K, its been there for months which is ok. We are mentally ready for all natural birth.

She is due @ 13.5.15, I can't wait to be after it. I miss my wife... And I hate worrying.

Hope my next post would be of a healthy baby in mom's arms.

Des.

Hi des

You sound like a fab & very supportive hubby. I'm sure your wife appreciates all your support!!

I'm in the same boat as her. Well... My counts have gone up but are hovering at around 60. Not far off your wife's. I'm due in July and am also trying to get myself prepared for a natural birth to try and avoid any treatments.

Can't wait to hear an update letting us know about the safe arrival of your new baby. Good luck!!!

I had my baby 4 months ago and got ivig three times a week 5 hours at a time but my platelets got as low as 3 when I was pregnant and when I gave birth I was at around 60 after they gave me more treatment, rest assured there are options they will take care of her but make sure she keeps seeing her hematologist during this they are the most educated on Itp! Congratulations!

Thanks Kat and Keli,

Still around the 54K, the hematologist suggested we give a one time Steroid treatment a week before birth day to top up the platelets and prevent bleeding. I don't really like it...

What do you think?

I'm fully expecting to be asked to take steroids before the birth. I already know they ideally want my platelets over 100 for a safe level - although 50 is documented as a safe level in medical journals.

Tbh - there are very few side effects for baby at this stage. If taken in the first tri, steroids can increase the risk of cleft palate - later on though I'm not aware of any risks to the baby.

If I'm asked to take them, I will. A better count might give a faster recovery in some cases & will certainly give a greater number of pain relief options. Even planning for a natural birth, things can change and I'd like to be prepared.

It's up to you & your wife though. Like I said, counts of over 50 are documented as safe in journals

Hi Guys!

I came online to report some happy news, only to see that thread of Jessica's Mother who passed away.
That was pretty depressing, and my heart goes out to Jessica. I find some positive aspect in her death that in a few years her mother could have died from maybe worse disease, suffered more, for more time - But I'm just trying to find some way to ease my mind of it. I left my computer to relax, and came back just now.

So. Back to the good news!

My wife had her baby!

At admission, her PLT count was 53K, an hour after that 43K. The doc said he wants a single shot of steroids, just to boost her PLT a bit - I didn't like it, but we agreed to take the treatment. Funny, my wife didn't want to make any decisions - She looked at me in puppy eyes, and asked : "What do you think?"...

Anyhow! During the short 4 hours that the natural, epidural free, and no birth-speeders took place, they tested again, and it was up at 59K! Kinda odd how quickly the steroids worked?

The birth was pretty calm, she got one shot of Pethidine, which took the edge off, but she was still fully functioning, changing positions etc.

I was there for her throughout the whole delivery, doing as best as I could. I kept seeing blood, which I later found out was completely normal, that really got me terrified. ITP was always floating in my head, and a doctor was just sitting in the room, waiting. Bah.

Long story shot...


Our daughter May, was born on 7.5.15, she is now 5 weeks old, and was born with normal PLT count, healthy and cranky!

I'd like to thank, everyone who participate in the godsend forum, for all the support.

I wish I could somehow return a favor.

Des.

You just did return the favor by posting the picture of your beautiful baby! Thank you for sharing and I'm glad that all went well!

Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! Just seeing the picture makes me smile!

Another one then

So cute! I'm jealous - I miss snuggling babies!

Ah lovely. Thanks for posting.

Just precious - congratulations! Her name is May? What a beautiful name!
Thank you for sharing the photos.