Antibiotics decreased my platelet count

I am 33 and was diagnosed with ITP during pregnancy with my second child. My son is now 5 years old. My lowest count was a 1, which I was trying alternative medicine at the time, which obviously didn't work. I was immediatley admitted to critical care but thankfully with IVIG and steroids (dexamethasone. 1ml tablet per day) I have been able to maintain a platelet count of 40,000. I feel lousy on the steroid, but it's the only thing my body responds well too. About a month ago, I developed an infection in one of my tooth. We extracted the tooth but they put me on antibiotics before the extraction. Well in two weeks after my extraction, I went for blood work and my platelets had dropped to 27,000. Doctor upped my dosage on dexamethasone to 2ml per day, which makes me gain weight, my face gets bloated and my stomach as well. I just feel huge! I eat healthy but still feel huge. My concern is that even with the upped dosage of dexamethasone, I still see bruising on my legs, arms, hands.... I went for blood work today and will see my doctor tomorrow, but i'm scared the antibiotics boosted up my immune system and thus my immune systems is killing more platelets.... I'm scared....I am constantly in a panic over finding more bruises... or bleeding when I go to the bathroom or nosebleeds... My anxiety is out of control.... I know the steroids don't help.... Anyone have this experience after taking antibiotics?

Vanessa:

Antibiotics can cause drops is counts, but they can also cause rises. It all depends on the med and the person. Sometimes it's not the drug but the infection that causes the drop. In the past, I've had two drops after using Amoxicillin, but years later did not have any problems.

Try to stay calm. Bruises are not the end of the world. They are going to happen with ITP. Dex is probably contributing to your anxiety and you should speak to your doctor about an alternate way to manage this. I've never seen ITP managed with Dex that way. I've been around here for a very long time.

Thank you Sandi. My doctor told me that if I take 1ml of Dex a day it's not harmful and I am able to keep them up at a count of 40,000... until now of course. I hate taking the steroids....Since you've been in this forum for a while, what method have you heard works well? He did mention Rituxin, but I'm just so scared... all I read is the side effects.... I'm just scared overall....

Vanessa:

Most people go through many treatments until they find one that works and has few side effects for them. Are you on 1 mg of Dex? If so, that is equal to roughly 6 to 7 mg's of Prednisone. In time, it can cause long term side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts, diabetes, etc.

There are no easy answers. Maybe you should get another opinion?

Very few people ever die from ITP. It can seem scary, but you just have to find a way to manage it that works for you. You have to advocate for yourself. Learn as much as you can and make suggestions to your doctor. Once you feel as if you have control by being a part of the plan, you will feel much better about everything. Avoiding the stress of anxiety by trying to stay calm will help.

Thank you Sandi!

Unfortunately, I do know the side effects of Dex. But I believed in what my doctor told me, that 1ml of Dex, is the same as 5ml of Prednisone and that our body makes that much itself and it wouldn't really harm me. My heart tells me otherwise, I already feel the effects it has on my body. Especially with the blood sugar control... I hate taking it... Hate it... But I told myself it was most likely better then all the other options. You're right, maybe I should get a second opinion. Knowledge is power. I would love to get off this Dex, but I'm really scared about all the "long term" unknowns off all the other alternative drugs out there.

I agree...the other treatments have side effects as well. It is all a benefit vs risk gamble. At the moment though, I think you need to focus on the mental health aspect since Dex seems to be causing problems there. I think all of us would have the same problem so it is not a reflection on you.

The doctor is right about your dose being less than the amount that the body produces, but side effects can happen all the same. You're experiencing anxiety from it, aren't you? That's a side effect.