Help me cope please.

I was diagnosed with ITP 3 weeks ago. I'm 16 years old and already suffer from Anxiety problems, and Im a serious hypochondriac. I went to the doctor because I was really tired and had the patekia all over me, he told me to go straight to the hospital. The hospital did blood work and my platelet count was 2000.
The they started dropping the L-bomb(Leukemia)and that sent me into true panic. They admitted me and did the ivig and 2 days later I got sent home with 33,000 platelets. I was feeling fine, though I was cured.
I went back the next week and got my counts checked, they were good. 94,000. I really thought it was over. I did my normal everyday activities for another week, then I started feeling tired again and I noticed the petikia again. My dad brought me to the hospital the next day and they did another blood test and my platelets were back down to 33,000. I had to wait 3 days before the ivig because my counts weren't low enough. Those 3 days were terrible, I was so exhausted and everything was sore, and I didn't have much of an appetite. I started goggling symptoms of Leukemia and I've completely convince myself that I have it because of the lost of appetite and the tiredness and soreness.Even though the hematologist says otherwise. Anyway I just got the other ivig yesterday and my platelets went back up to 44,000, but I still feel drained and a little sore not as bad. And I don't have much of and appetite especially when I wake up in the morning. I'm so scared. All I do is sleep and cry. My anxiety is overwhelming. Can someone convince me that I don't have leukemia.

Hi there!

If your hematologist has done all of the necessary testing then it is incredibly unlikely that you have leukemia...and in all likelihood I would think that a doctor would!

Platelets carry serotonin(happy, energetic hormones) to your entire body. So I would attribute your exhaustion and unhappiness to your lower count.
When you have anxiety, you tend to constantly think of the worst. I am the same way. However, we do have an advantage because once you understand that ITP is not leukemia you will be so much happier with the diagnosis.

When I was in the hospital the doctor casually mentioned leukemia, hepatitis and AIDS...so three days later I was very pleased to hear ITP(I actually have Evan's Syndrome) in comparison.

Keep your chin up, take deep breaths, hug your family and enjoy your life. You are young and you WILL get used to this!

Thanks. I just cant help my self I worry way to much.

Well I can tell you that you haven't got leukaemia. They can tell what you've got by looking at the cells in your blood on a slide under the microscope. Leukaemia looks very different and they would know for sure if you had it.

ITP and low counts often make people tired. It does me, and it's an all over fatigue which is horrible. The lack of appetite will be caused by the anxiety so if you can get your mind together then that will ease and eating will make you feel better all over.

Eman, sorry to hear that you are having to deal with ITP. First I would like to say, Please try to Relax. You will be OK!! Are you taking anything for the anxiety? I was diagnosed at age 36 and went through Anxiety/Depression. I was scared to death prior to being diagnosed. So many worries went through my mind as to what could be causing this. Even after diagnosis it was a tough time. I felt ashamed and worthless. Why was I feeling this way I wondered. I cried for no reason every day!!! I finally accepted the fact that I was not going to get over these feelings on my own and went to the Dr for help. Was prescribed Celexa. This is one of the milder antidepressants. I was amazed with the results!! I became myself again!!
Leukemia would have showen up on the blood work, so get that worry out of your head!!! Platelets carry Serotonin, which is a mood regulator in the body, so low Platelets can make you feel as you described. Once you mentally accept ITP, you will feel better. Stressing out over it does not help both mentally and Physically. It is tough the first few months, but it will get better.
ITP is a "Rollercoaster" ride, many ups and downs. Just remember to take deep breaths and relax. You will get used to this!!!
Take deep breaths and relax, you will get used to this.

Thanks I went and got blood work done today and my platelets are higher than ever (123). Thats for the advice everyone. Ill keep you guys in my prayer. I never like roller coasters lol.