Update

Starting at the end of May this year has been the worst time with this ITP crap!!! Worst summer ever!! Depression also reared it's ugly head. Dad passed away 7/19. Spent several weeks with counts from 0k - 8k. Started with methylprednisone which did not work, then a course of prednisone starting with 60mg which was not working. Dexamethasone (1) IVIG (4) Rituxan (2) and atleast 4 Platelet transfusions. I was getting so tired of IV's and blood draws. I know some think platelet transfusions are a waste unless there is active bleeding. Well with a count of 0k, internal bleeding is a big concern. That is why my Dr. did the platelet transfusions. IVIG raised counts but not for long. I was scheduled to meet with surgeon on 9/2 about setting up a Splenectomy. On 8/27 I requested to have an H Pylori test done as did a little reading on H Pylori and chronic ITP. I wanted to eliminate this possible connection with my ITP prior to a Splenectomy. The test came back positive. Meeting with surgeon was cancelled. I started a two week course of antibiotics on 8/28, 8 pills a day. On 9/1 count was 139k, on 9/3 count was 225k. Recheck today. Fingers crossed that the count is holding strong. Last Rituxan was 8/22 and last IVIG was 8/24. Not quite sure what is bringing the counts up yet or how long I have had H Pylori. I am hoping the eradication of H Pylori does the trick and I will need no further treatment. Wondering if anyone else with chronic ITP has had an H Pylori test done? Might be something to consider.

Dean:

That's great! It's hard to know if the antibiotics or Rituxan is causing the rise here since Rituxan has worked well for you in the past. At any rate, getting rid of H. Pylori is a good thing to do.

I agree about testing for H-Pylori - I also tested positive and did the antibiotic course - my platelets did not go up but my gut sure felt much better.

One can be tested by blood test or breath test and it is real simple.

I was tested for H-pylori came back negative.

Count is 293k today. Have not been at that level since before this roller coaster ride began 10 yrs ago.

That's an impressive improvement. I'm glad it's holding steady.

I was tested for H. pylori several years ago, with negative results, so can't speak to the potential benefits of treating that to improve counts.

That's awesome dean about nine years into my itp they decided to run that test and I was do hoping that was the cause but mine came out negative. Drs keep saying itp is a symptom not a disease I beg to differ i have been tested for it all. But anyway congrats I hope your counts stay up!

Fantastic News! on the counts!