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Is Further Treatment Necessary

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14 years 1 week ago #19250 by victoriah
Is Further Treatment Necessary was created by victoriah
My daughter was just recently diagnosed with ITP. She has been given some advice by the family doctor in regards to changing her way of eating (diet). She will be seeing her hematologist in a few weeks but refuses to be treated with steroids etc., Can dieting improve platelet levels rather than going for further treatment. Her platelet levels are now 40k. She was looking more at a healthier and natural alternative to monitor her levels. Is that possible??
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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14 years 1 week ago #19256 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Well, since her count is 40k, treatment isn't necessary at all at this point. If they drop lower (below 20k - 30k), it might have to be considered.

Most people have found that diet does not cause counts to go up. There is a whole section on Natural Treatments that discusses this. You could read the experiences of others and see what you think. What exactly did her family doctor advise her to do?
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14 years 1 week ago #19261 by victoriah
Replied by victoriah on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Hi Sandi...well the family doc is monitoring her every week with blood tests and suggested that she changes her diet. Today she got her blood test results and it is now 38K. She has an appointment to see a hematologist next week. He also suggested she go and see a naturopath as another alternative. It's been 10 days now that she has eliminated certain foods that may affect her platelete levels and from doing so her bruising has slightly faded, but she has had her period twice in a month. So from 10 days ago at 40K there has been a slight decrease. Her food intake is very healthy and she is into extreme fitness (gym etc).. she was opting more for natural remedies as she is not keen on using anything unnatural such as medication. Whether thats an option or not, I do not know.
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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14 years 1 week ago #19264 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
It's an option if your daughter is comfortable with it and has the patience required to wait for a higher platelet count.

38 and 40 are the same thing; there is a margin of error of 5k or so, and platelet levels fluctuate constantly.

Some people here would disagree that medication is 'unnatural' and others would say that not all 'natural' remedies are organic or harmless. Has she ever taken an antibiotic when she was sick?
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14 years 1 week ago #19274 by victoriah
Replied by victoriah on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
She always tried avoiding any form of medication and prolonged it until she had no choice. With antibiotics it was only taken when she was extremely ill. Another thing I wanted to ask, is constant cramping related ITP. It usually happens when she is sleeping, she gets alot of cramping in one of her calves and she also is very fatigued. Can you suggest anything for relief or to boost up her energy?
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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14 years 1 week ago #19276 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Calf cramping and fatigue can be due to low potassium. She could ask to have that tested. If she is into extreme fitness, potassium loss is possible. Bananas and Gatorade.

If her potassium is good, it could be that some other level is low and might take further testing.
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14 years 1 week ago #19278 by victoriah
Replied by victoriah on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Thanks so much sandi you have been very helpful...i may need to ask further questions later on :)
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14 years 1 week ago #19286 by srunge
Replied by srunge on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
That is interesting my daughter who has ITP also gets a lot of calf cramping too. She has had her potassium checked and it was fine. She is remission as of last year but still gets cramps at night.
I make her eat bananas and drink lots of water.
Shauna
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14 years 1 week ago #19293 by Ann
Replied by Ann on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Cramps can also be caused by a lack of salt. Nowadays with people more conscious of salt intake some of us end up with too little.
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14 years 1 week ago - 14 years 1 week ago #19296 by victoriah
Replied by victoriah on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Prior to my daugher being diagnosed with ITP, she never had calf cramps, it happens now when she goes to sleep. She has mentioned this to the doctor and he claims it could be lack of potasium. The other thing that concerns me is her lack of energy. Ive read that people with low potasium have affects of fatigue, does that happen with ITP as well?
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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14 years 1 week ago #19297 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: Is Further Treatment Necessary
Some people with ITP feel fatigue and some do not. Many people also find out later that they have low B-12 or a thyroid disorder or something that can also cause fatigue. It seems like every time I turn around I find another level that is low, and I get pretty intensive blood work every three months. Sometimes you just have to investigate and ask.
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The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.


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