At a loss.

Two years ago my then 4 year old was diagnosed with itp count at 37. After a year and a half of blood tests and slowly platelets going up but very slowly with no interaction just watch and wait, we where transferred to our nearest hemo unit. In April 2011 a big jump in platelets to 196 great, but then his last three started dropping latest 149. For the first time we actually saw his consultant and I asked why they where going down again, and I was told that my son is one of those Children that has platelets that will go up and down and he was happy to discharge my son. I was at a loss no more follow up appointments I know I should have been happy but I was told that I could go back anytime for a blood test if I was worried. Walked around Newcastle uk. I just felt like I had been left to get on with it. Went back to the hospital and caught the consultant leaving asked does my son not have itp now, was told no he doesn't he is just like every other boy now. I thought itp was a condition that ment platelets where unstable yet I am now told to get on with it. Do I need to be careful with aspirin etc just in case his count is low. I don't really know what to do. A regular blood test at least could put my mind to rest He has dropped 47 in four months. Any feedback welcome am I over reacting.

I know how you feel. I felt the same after I'd finished with some other sort of treatment. I was overjoyed to be free but felt a bit alone as though I'd lost my security. It didn't last though and I knew that if I had problems I could go back.

If you see any signs of a low count simply go back. Young children are usually not chronic ITP sufferers and they are considered to be free of it when the count goes back to normal. A fluctuating count in the normal range is usual and as long as it's over 100 your son will be considered ITP free.

With regard to aspirin, it shouldn't be given to children under the age of 12 anyway because of the risk of it causing Reye's Syndrome so best not use that anyway. Enjoy your ITP free son.

Hopefully things will be okay for your son. I certainly understand your worry, but usually, there is no need to worry unless you see specific signs such as excessive bruising and/or nosebleeds.

I would avoid using any aspirin - give him Tylenol or Advil if he ever needs something for pain if he happens to hurt himself.

Don't worry about it, but keep a watchful eye for symptoms, and go back if you think that his platelets may be low.

Thanx folks sometimes you just need someone that is not a medical person to say it's ok. Just to say I didn't mean I give him aspirin it's just I got into the habit of saying to people he couldn't have aspirin or any blood thinners, silly me. X