Lumbar puncture

I've been told for 30 years that I have ITP, and have just watched and waited. However, over the years, my platelets have continued to fall - currently at 25k. I am seeing a new doctor, who said he MUST do another lumbar puncture to see what's going on, before he feels comfortable starting any treatment, since "we have better tests now" (my last one was in 2008). Is this true, or am I going through a procedure I don't necessarily need? I also have low WBC's (always).
I went to this doctor because the hospital assured me he was a good hematologist. After seeing him, however, I see that he is an oncologist NOT a hematologist.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I am new in this area (SD) and hoping to start treatment, if possible, so I can get on with my life....

Do you mean a bone marrow biopsy rather than a lumbar puncture?

Most of us do not have the bone marrow biopsy - especially when there are no other indicators other than low platelets, and the onset is before our 60s.

I think you might do better with a hematologist.
Erica

Lumbar punctures are never done for ITP, bone marrow biopsies can be. However, they are not necessary unless the doctor feels that something else might be going on. Having a BMB does not dictate how treatments will go in any way, shape or form. BMB's are suggested if a person is over 60 or are planning a splenectomy. I'd ask specifically what he hopes to gain from the BMB information. Usually, it doesn't tell much as far as ITP goes.

Most oncologists are also hematologists, but many are not experienced with ITP or are old school, and go by what they learned in med school (which if not in the last 10 years, does not apply anymore).

I'm sorry, yes, I did mean a bone marrow biopsy. He told me the treatment totally depends on what the biopsy says. Hmmm.

www.pdsa.org/forum/6-general-itp-discussion/11698-bone-marrow-biopsy-and-production-answers.html