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Low: Iron, RBC, Thyroid, Testosterone

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7 years 9 months ago #62054 by emeraldarrowhead
Low: Iron, RBC, Thyroid, Testosterone was created by emeraldarrowhead
Hello group, I was recently diagnosed with ITP, by a hematologist. Apparently, my platelets carry a protein that my spleen disdains.

Before this, my primary care dr told me I have anemia, plus low iron, potassium, red blood cells, thyroid, and testosterone. I've been on thyroid, iron, and potassium pills, and took the supplement T-Male to help testosterone, but they're not really changing anything.

I also get edema in my legs and hands, and face, I think. And I'm also always fatigued, which I can understand.

But are all these things pursuant to the cause of ITP? It's hard to believe.
  • D.Mann
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  • Diagnosed October 2016 Steroids, IVIG, Rituxin, Promacta, Spleen removed, Rituxin again. Currently weaning off Promacta and Prednisone.
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7 years 9 months ago #62055 by D.Mann
Replied by D.Mann on topic Low: Iron, RBC, Thyroid, Testosterone
The low RBC and anaemia could be from blood loss due to low platelets. My colon bleeds when my counts are low. Low blood counts will make you tired. Low platelets can also cause muscle and joint aches. If you're really low on RBC the Hemo can give you an iron infusion, it will work faster than the oral supplements.
Read through the treads, there is a lot of good information here.
The following user(s) said Thank You: emeraldarrowhead
  • 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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7 years 9 months ago - 7 years 9 months ago #62056 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Low: Iron, RBC, Thyroid, Testosterone
There are cases in which thyroid problems can be connected to ITP, but that is rare. Sometimes after getting the thyroid under control, platelets go up. Not often though. Did your doctor run thyroid antibody tests? Have you been diagnosed with Hashimoto's?

ITP may be difficult to treat when associated with thyroid autoimmune disorders. In such cases, treating the underlying thyroid disorder may significantly improve platelet count and can either cause remission of disease or improve response to standard ITP therapy.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4855218
pdsa.org/resources/other-platelet-disorders.html

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4855218

Has your doctor run a Coombs test?
www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/antibody-tests#1
If you have antibodies to red blood cells, you would have Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. In cases where people have antibodies to both platelets and red blood cells, that is called Evans Syndrome.
rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6389/evans-syndrome

So, yes, some of those can be connected. If a person has one autoimmune disorder, they are prone to have others. I don't know what could be causing the edema. I'd assume they checked your kidneys. If you are on steroids, that would be the cause. Prednisone causes water retention and muscle redistribution.
The following user(s) said Thank You: emeraldarrowhead
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