ITP and blood thinners

My daughter has ITP and is successfully on Promacta. She also has a bicuspid aortic valve with an ascending aortic aneurism. It will require repair at some point. I'm not too worried about the surgery itself, but the standard in this type of surgery is to replace the root of the heart and install a mechanical valve. I'm having a hard time seeing how primary ITP coudle ever be compatible with the need to take a blood thinner. Is there anyone who has a similar plight? I'm hoping we can find an alternative to valve replacement. Right now it's not looking good. When the time comes we plan to consult U Penn and/or Cleveland Clinic.
Thanks,
Paris

Some people with ITP also have antiphospholipid antibodies which cause clotting so people with that have to take thinners. It certainly is a juggling act but people do manage it successfully.

Paris:

Ann is right. We've had people here with low counts who have taken blood thinners for one reason or another.

When you say "successful on Promacta" - what does that mean?

Hi Parism,

I have a bicuspid aortic valve and dilated aorta that will need replacing in the future. Luckily for me I have been in remission from itp for 2yrs. I haven't visited this site in over a yr, but happened upon your post. Sorry your daughter has to deal with both these health issues. ITP and anticoagulants can be managed, but it will be a juggling act. Can your daughter get a tissue (pig, cow) valve replacement? My understanding is you don't need anticoagulants with this type of valve. On the down side they need replacing every 10yrs or so. If your daughter is young she may not want numerous heart surgeries. My valve will need replacing when I'm in my 40's, all going well. It does bother me my itp may come back and complicate my cardiac issues. Have you talked to your daughters hemo and cardiologist about your concerns? I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and a healthy long life.
Emma

I was taking arixtra a blood thinner due to a pulmonary embolism..while taking it I took decadron a steroid to keep my numbers up..no problem except the usual side effects..

I think after many types of surgery, doctors prescribe blood thinners. WHen I had my knee replaced, I had increased my prednisone to get my platelets high before the surgery, so they stayed in the normal range for two months, a month longer than I needed to take the blood thinner. My orthopedist prescribed Lovenox instead of an oral blood-thinner. I think he thought that was safer. (I hated having to give myself those shots though!)