Papaya leaves in treating low platelets with ITP

Has anyone had results with papaya leaf extract to increase the platelet count? I have found some literature raising counts for a mosquito borne disease in India.

pdsa.org/forum-sp-534/8-natural-treatment-methods/16460-papaya-leaf-extract-as-a-treatment-for-itp.html

I am not normally a person who seeks out alternative medications but this condition I've been newly diagnosed with is inspiring me to explore my options. I have done IVIG with minimal results, been on Predisone currently 20 mg/day, and have had 4 infusions of Rituxin. Last platelet was 108,000 after reducing steroid to 10mg/day, but had got up to 144,000. Was 0 when admitted to hospital in Nov.2013. Only one way to go from there.

MB:

I know it takes time to get used to the diagnosis and all that goes with it. I've been through it and I have seen an enormous amount of people also go through it. There are some things about ITP that, once you accept, will make life so much easier.

1. It is okay to have counts lower than 150k. Anything above 30k is safe for daily living and if you can maintain that, you're doing fine. People with ITP do not have to have 'normal' counts to have a normal life.

2. ITP can be a series of ups and downs. Instead of living your life by the actual count, try just looking at symptoms as a guide. I know that's hard, but you'll have less bad days that way because you're not basing your happiness on a number.

3. Remissions do happen. Never view ITP as a lifelong sentence, even if you end up with a 'chronic' label.

It can take time to get to this point, but the sooner you do, the easier it will be to deal with it. In the meantime, learn as much as you can. There are many good articles available, but be sure they are current and credible. This video is a good place to start.

fhs.mcmaster.ca/medicine/hematology/ITP-2010/player.html

Your counts are great. It can take time for Rituxan to work - usually 4 to 12 weeks after the first infusion. IVIG is almost always temporary.

Thanks for the input.You are a true asset to this forum. I am finally starting to realize that there are many pieces to this mysterious puzzle called ITP. I wish my physician could be as informative as this web site. He tends to dwell on the count and gets ahead of himself constantly talking up the splenectomy. I feel I should have more time to wait and see how my body responds to treatments such as the Rituxin and Predisone. Hope to start tapering next week following labs. It feels good to be back to work and although I'm tired it feels like I'm getting back to what ever normal is. Thanks again

It's okay to do what makes you comfortable. Splenectomy is just one treatment option; it is not a must. Keep learning and be your own advocate! If you are not happy with the options/advice that you are getting from your doctor, it's okay to get another one.