two-year old with a platelet count of four

We went to the doctor on Tuesday because of petechiae and the insane number of bruises he collected over a matter of days. She diagnosed it right and sent us to the emergency room.

He has a platelet count of 4 at the moment (4,000, I keep reminding myself, 4,000!). Second check will be 7/29.

He's got a helmet and we have day care make him wear it whenever he goes outside or there seems like a chance of rough housing. Making him wear it any more seems like it would be impossible (even worse than trying to keep his shoes on him. We've cut him off from his usual climbing on everything, but he's one of those kids that can't walk across the room without bumping into everything along the way, so we're permanently on edge.

And of course he's cutting molars, so each morning there's a little stain of blood and saliva on his sheets (no blood in his mouth at wake-up fortunately), so even after he's asleep we still have to worry.

Fortunately, he's as happy as a clam. Even five hours in the emergency ward didn't upset him. His mother and I are basket cases, of course, way over-stressed and prone to break into tears at a moment's notice. We're so lucky that his demeanor is so positive and unchanged or we'd be really be in trouble.

Not much to do now but worry. I've been reading about foods that can supposedly help boost platelet counts, so last night he had a dinner of hummus, pineapple and dark chocolate (he had no problem with that!). It's not much but at least I feel like I'm doing something.

Really dreading the steroids conversation if his count doesn't go up on Tuesday.

Take a deep breath. Things will get better. Read as much as you can and educate yourself; you will need to advocate for your son. How old is he?

People have not had much success with eating foods that 'boost' platelets. Some have had more luck with eliminating certain things such as gluten or fruits. It's a process of elimination and any one thing does not work for everyone. It can take a long time to see any results.

I'm glad that your doctor is not panicking; that is a good thing. Prednisone is nasty, but a short-term (a few weeks) round would not be so bad. Some children have a great response and some even go into remission.

A few bumps and bruises should not cause any real harm, but you do have to watch that he doesn't hit his head.

Thanks, Sandi. He's two years old.

Platelet count at the second check was only five, but at least it's the right direction. Fortunately, he's now comfortable wearing his helmet for most of the day. It seems like he's getting tired a lot faster than he used to, but at least that means more snuggling and less risky climbing on furniture.

Taking those deep breaths.

Platelet count was up to 36 today! His bruising has gotten much better this past week, but I was hoping for 20 at most. I know it can still go down again, but for now we're breathing a little bit easier. Next appointment in December.

Hi- How is your son doing? Did you had to give the steroids or HVIG to your son?
My daughter has the count of 6 & 2 last week and this week. I am little worried what should I do now.

It's been a long three month wait between checks, but I'm thrilled to report that my son's platelet count is now up to 396!!! We're in shock. I was hoping for 100 at best. The hematologist says that we'll need a followup count in one month to confirm.

We feel very lucky to have gotten to this point without any treatment. I'm not sure if I'll ever be comfortable seeing him running around the playground without his helmet though!

That's great news! Seems like your son is one who has spontaneously remitted. It happens all the time! You will get over the helmet eventually! No need with a count that high.

Just a quick update. Latest count was 344!

That's fantastic! Love the success stories!

Well, my son is now four and his ITP is still in remission. However, we have his checkup today where he'll be getting another MMR vaccine, so we're freaking out a little about the possibility of a relapse.

The CDC says, "Based on case reports, the risk for MMR-associated thrombocytopenia may be increased for persons who have previously had immune thrombocytopenic purpura, particularly for those who had thrombocytopenic purpura after an earlier dose of MMR vaccine."

At least we'll be better prepared for it if it does happen again.