
Where people with ITP, healthcare professionals, and caregivers get and give advice.
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Be careful not to bump into doorways, sharp corners, etc. Having ITP means it's easy to bruise. I have found that "rubbing" the spot if you bump it does help. The ol ... read more

Care Partner for ITP Age: 90 Female
4
Inflammation can be quite damaging in the context of a wound. A lot of swelling and redness comes from inflammation, and an ice pack can slow that down or prevent it ... read more

Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
2
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Feeling ITP fatigue? What tips help you get through the day?
Tell your healthcare provider about any changes in your body, like changes in bowel movements or an increase in headaches, joint pain, or fatigue. These can help us ... read more

Jenny Bennett, ND
Aria Integrative in Seattle; www.ariaintegrative.com Healthcare provider for ITP Female
2
With any autoimmune disorder, including ITP, it's really important that we know all the medications and supplements you are taking. There is a hesitancy to share thi ... read more

Jenny Bennett, ND
Aria Integrative in Seattle; www.ariaintegrative.com Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
Exercise is essential, but you need to be very aware of the risks associated with falling or getting injured. I advise working with a physical therapist or occupatio ... read more

Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
I was diagnosed with ITP at the age of 12, and since then I have been living with this rare immunity disorder. So here I am to share a few tips with the brave hearts ... read more

Ipsita
Living with ITP Age: 20 Female
2
It has been two years since my son's diagnosis and he is now considered a "chronic ITP patient." This has been a life-changing event for my son as well as for my hus ... read more

EvanJace
Care Partner for ITP Age: 30 Female
3
Fast Fact
ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
<p>ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S. </p>If you've been diagnosed with ITP, talk with your healthcare provider about screening exams for H. pylori, shingles, and hepatitis C, as infections like these can tr ... read more

Wendy Ellis, ND
Seattle-based practitioner Healthcare provider for ITP Female
1
Keep over-the-counter nosebleed treatments on hand.

Living with ITP Age: 51 Female
5
Find a doctor who is willing to work with you to find the right treatment. Every ITP patient is different, and what works for some patients may not be ideal for you. ... read more

RareCandace
Living with ITP Age: 34 Female More than 5 years
4
I’m a huge fan of educating yourself to really understand what’s going on. I think it makes you more susceptible to complications if you don’t have awareness of what ... read more

Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
4
If you have a low platelet count, I don’t think it’s the best thing to go out and play tackle football. At the same time, even if your platelet count is very low, th ... read more

Terry B. Gernsheimer, MD
Hematologist and professor of medicine and hematology at UW Medicine in Seattle Healthcare provider for ITP
4
ITP knocks down platelets … people who have been diagnosed with ITP always want to know how to make more platelets….but you can’t really eat more papaya (or any othe ... read more

Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Female
5
Stay away from risks that could lead to injury.

Living with ITP Age: 39 Male More than 5 years
3
Enjoy life and think less of your illness.

Rosel
Living with ITP Age: 18 Female More than 5 years
3
If you have ITP, the most important thing you can do is tell your healthcare provider about every medication you take -- including supplements and over-the-counter m ... read more

Gwen Nichols, MD
Chief Medical Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Healthcare provider for ITP Female
4
Fast Fact
ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
<p>ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.</p>Make sure to eat on a regular schedule; no intermittent fasting! Regular, steady intake of balanced meals (think: protein, whole grain carbohydrates and unsaturated ... read more

Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Age: 38 Female
4
If you have a lot of stress in your life, commit to exercise and a mindfulness practice.

Jenny Bennett, ND
Aria Integrative in Seattle; www.ariaintegrative.com Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
Poll
Does food help you manage ITP?
When my patients ask, I say, not facetiously, look both ways before crossing the street. I think that is good advice whether one’s platelet count is low or normal. A ... read more

Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
2