Hi All - I'm a newbie here. I just wanted to reach out to people in the same boat as me. I had not idea that there were people like me who have ITP and Lupus. My story is one of hope and my aim in posting here is to hopefully give anyone feeling overwhelmed a little sunshine and happiness.
I was diagnosed with ITP at 16 (I am now 45). My symptoms were fatigue, bruising and feeling constantly sad (I now know this was depression). I could literally sleep all night and then sleep again all day. After many tests including a bone marrow biopsy I was put on Prednisone, my blood tested weekly or fortnightly and then slowly weaned off the Prednisone. This would have been in 1988. My platelet level dropped as the steriod level dropped. I had my spleen removed early in 1989.
It was 10 years later when I developed lumps on my upper arms. After a biopsy it was discovered they were panniculitis and I was referred to a Rheumotologist. I was diagnosed with Lupus not long after. I had recently become engaged so it was pretty traumatic. I recall also being told that my changes of having children were low.
I spent some time on Plaquinil and when we decided to try for children I was taken off. I have since had two children (now 16 and 12). They are both clear and I am medication free. I always try to get a good night's sleep, regular exercise, lots of water and try very hard to maintain a healthy weight. I appreciate I am very lucky and that not everyone has the same story however I hope for those of you younger than me that my story does give you hope. I have always tried to maintain a positive outlook in regards to my illnesses.
I wish you all the very best with your health
