Rituxan

Hi I have had ITP for about 5 years now and have tried several types of treatment such as IVIG, Prednisone, and even a splenectomy. While each of these treatments had an effect on my body none of the treatments had the lasting effect like my family and I had hoped. I recently turned 18 and now my parents view the situation as it is now my choice on how I decide to live my life. I am wanting to try something new and while they don't necessarily agree with that like they said, its my decision now. I am considering the Rituxan, but am open to any suggestions and any thoughts on the Rituxan.

Before deciding HOW to treat, you should make sure you are clear on WHETHER to treat. Every treatment for ITP has potential side effects, many of them potentially fatal. Many people are electing not to treat, or to treat temporarily only when necessary, and to live with low counts.

Are you treating now? What happens when you don't treat? How low are your counts? How severe are your symptoms?

Also lifestyle: do you engage in contact sports or hazardous activities?

Over here in the UK counts above 30 are not treated unless there is active bleeding.
Pre surgery IVIg us used to raise counts to be safe enough for the surgery and post op until risk of bleeding has passed.

Hunter:

My daughter was diagnosed with Graves years ago and at one point, I had to turn the decisions over to her too. I remember how hard that was. Prior to that though, we both did research and discussed what we learned. We came to decisions together and I never pushed anything that she didn't fully agree with. She was in her late teens and was fully capable of understanding.

I made it clear that I was still available for opinions and suggestions when she first took over, and she did come to me for a few years. After that, she made her own decisions and as hard as it was, I never made her second guess herself by talking her into or out of anything. She was in her late twenties by that point.

I think it's great that you are taking the initiative to learn and research on your own. The decisions can be hard. I agree with Rob, tackle that question first. We are here for you when the time comes to make the final decision.