Hematologists in San Diego Area with ITP experienc

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and I am wondering if anyone would have recommendations for a hematologist in the San Diego area who specializes in ITP or who is knowledgeable in ITP cases in women.

I was diagnosed with ITP in December of 2006; after numerous unsuccessful treatments (Prednisone, IVIG, Rituxan)and continuously fluctuating platelet counts, I underwent a splenectomy procedure in February of 2008. Since my splenectomy, my counts have oscillated between 250k-300k (my platelet counts prior to ITP diagnosis were 330k-350k).

Recently, my husband and I decided to begin planning for a family. My hematologist seemed to have an opinion about our decision and it was not an encouraging one. He is basically under the assumption that I will a) have to be be treated with Prednisone during my pregnancy despite the drug's complete failure in elevating my platelets in the past; and b) I will be most certainly be passing my disorder to my child... Thus, I find myself asking for your help.

I would like to seek the advice of a physician who is more open-minded, who is solutions-based and overall a tad more positive about my prognosis.

I eagerly look forward to your feedback!

Best,
Veronica

Veronica:

My goodness! Yes, you do need another doctor. That is a very pessimistic view and not entirely accurate.

With your counts, there is no reason you'd need to be treated at all unless they take a dive. That is always a possibility, but a cold could do the same thing.

As for passing ITP on to the baby, sometimes the mother does pass the antibodies to the baby, but it is short term and the baby normally recovers within days to weeks.

Actually, your OB-GYN should be able to handle things unless, as I said, your counts drop. Many women with low counts have successful pregnancies and those with normal counts do as well as anyone without ITP.

Sorry I don't have a suggestion for the doctor, but really, I'd talk to your GYN and see what he/she says.