It's baaaack

Sigh,

My initial bout with ITP was in late 2007. After a fierce viral illness subsided I was diagnosed when platelets dropped to 4k. Thanks to this forum I fired my first hemo (Off with his spleen!). My second hemo was very open to involving me in treatment. Again, thanks to this forum I chose to try WinRho first. Two treatments and my platelets stableized at 60k. I was checked about every six months and I would be between 80-120k.

Fast forward 4 years later and its deja vu all over again. Viral illness ravaging my ears, nose, throat and chest. Three weeks later when the symptoms subside my amped up and now bored antibodies decide to go on a platelet hunt. I get immediate feedback because I am diabetic and injections and blood sugar checks leave telling tales on the body. New insurance = new hemo. Labs come back... 11k. Kind of interested to see what doc has to say. It's Dr Roger Lyons who has cut his teeth on ITP. Off with his spleen! He isn't as pushy as my first hemo and says Rituximab is a viable alternative. He put me on the 'roids to try and up the count and wants me to think it over for a week and let him know.

Just wondered how you are now....How is your count and have you tried Nplate or Promacta?

dmblank,

Had a really positive response to Prednisone which is interesting since the first time it didn't work at all (I have a post on that somewhere). I have tapered down from 50mg to 20mg so far and the platelet count is in the high 100k's. The hope now is that I can hold steady and come completely off Prednisone and perhaps get another remission.

I have talked about both Nplate and Promacta with my hemo but I am personally inclined to have those slotted behind Rituxan because I would prefer something that gives me a chance at a long term remission but doesn't sacrifice the spleen.