Platelet Disorder Support Association

Join Us:

Membership Matters

Support Us:

Make a Donation
    Remember Me     Forgot Login?   Sign up   •  Web site Help & Info

!!! DISCUSSION GROUP RULES !!!

1. You must be a registered website user in order to post and comment. Guests may read only.
2. Be kind and helpful, not rude and cynical.
3. Don't advertise or promote anything. You will be banned from the group.
4. Report problems to the moderators. THANK YOU!

Recently Diagnosed 75yr old Mother

More
10 years 10 months ago #49423 by arhall33
Recently Diagnosed 75yr old Mother was created by arhall33
Hello everyone, I'm in need of some sincere advice in dealing with an elderly mother with ITP. My mother was diagnosed in May 2015 with ITP with platelets counts as low as 11 and now her doctor recommends splenectomy. We have tried IV steroids and IVIG without any improvement. Now on Nplate at the max dose and prednisone 50 mg daily and platelets level only at 29. Its seems to my mother and I that we are being rush into surgery and we need some advice. At this time we are considering a second opinion or, waiting 6 months before having surgery just to see if therapy will increase counts. My mother medical history includes COPD, hyperlipidemia, GERD, and anxiety.

Thanks,
Angela

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
10 years 10 months ago #49428 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Recently Diagnosed 75yr old Mother
Hi Angela. Sorry to hear about your Mom. How long has your Mom been on N-Plate? It can take some time to begin to work. She seems to be on the right treatment at the moment, but probably needs more time with it. Doctors often give up on it too fast without giving it enough time. N-Plate has a pretty good success rate.

How are your Mom's symptoms? That is important. ITP can be more serious in elderly patients because they have weaker blood vessels and can bleed more than a younger person, so symptoms are important to consider.

As far as splenectomy, it does not always work and statistics show that the success rates drop as a person ages. You do not have to go through with it and yes, a second opinion would not be a bad idea if you are being pushed into it.

Has your Mom had a bone marrow biopsy? It is usually recommended for patients over 60 to rule out other disorders that can affect the bone marrow.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

You’re not alone. We have answers!
Contact PDSA to connect with life altering information, resources and referrals. 440.746.9003 (877.528.3538 toll-free) or pdsa@pdsa.org.

Platelet Disorder Support Association

Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44141
440.746.9003  |  pdsa@pdsa.org
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

© Copyright 1997 - 2026, Platelet Disorder Support Association. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT!

The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.