Possible Link?

I'm wondering if any of the literature suggests a connection between chronic anemia, the flu shot and the conversion to ITP. As recently as 3 weeks ago my platelet count was at 377 (had to have labs drawn for work). Now after going to the ER for an abnormally heavy period, my platelets dropped to 17. The only other thing that I encountered in that time frame was the flu shot. Just wondering what kind of insult could have caused such a drastic response. Upon release from the hospital a week ago I was only at 40 and climbing.

I'm 1 week into my oral steroid treatment and looking forward to what that will produce. I honestly feel like I could have been the victim of some kind of insidious perfect storm. Any thoughts?

Tammy

Tammy:

Did you have a diagnosed type of anemia, such as Hemolytic Anemia? There is an autoimmune disorder called Evans Syndrome that includes both low platelets and anemia. They can occur years apart and either one can come first. There really isn't a 'conversion' as they are separate disorders.

As for the flu shot, sure, it can trigger autoimmune disorders (such as ITP) or anything else a person is genetically predisposed to.

Hi Sandi,

Thanks for the response. Although I've had chronic anemia r/t iron deficiency, I've never been told that there was an issue with rbc destruction/production. Is there information to suggest that ITP is hereditary...

I'm new to this, I've got a lot of research to do.

Tam

Given that ITP is a "side effect" of many vaccinations, and the fact that you had a totally normal count in previous weeks, it sure sounds to me like the shot caused it. You can "undo" the damage with homeopathy but the faster you do it in terms of how long it's been since your shot, the easier it is to fix. It's fixable years out, but much easier and faster the sooner you do it after a vaccine.

Where does one start? It's been 3 weeks since I got the vaccination. I would love to explore every option. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Your ITP could be acute at this stage, meaning that it will be short-lived. Only time will tell.

ITP is usually not hereditary, although there are hereditary types of ITP. Most people do not have those types of ITP - they are rare. My sister and I have both had ITP, but it was just a coincidence. Although ITP does not tend to run in families, the predisposition to inherit autoimmune disorders does. Do you have any in your family that you know of? For example, I have ITP and Lupus. I have one sister that had ITP and one that has Discoid Lupus. My daughter has Graves Disease and asthma. I have a first cousin with MS. No autoimmune disorders with either of my parents.