After decades of quiet my ITP returned, but I’m not fighting it alone!

In 1998 I was diagnosed with ITP as a 14 year old. Platelets were 14k. We struggled and treated it for the next 2 years or so - treatment was so different then vs now. Since early 2000’s I had been just fine! No symptoms or concerns.

Until fall of 2023. I came down with a cold. After a day or so of being ill I noticed horrible petechia on my legs. Then my torso and face. Labs were ordered. Woke up to an after hours call from the doctor office. Platelets LESS THAN 4k. Total shock.

I proceeded to the ER where I was admitted and tested positive for COVID. My hematologist believes the Covid virus, for lack of a better word, "reignited" ITP. We were shocked. Devastated. Scared. After a couple of days in the hospital I was stabilized/safe to go home. Rituximab infusions for 4 weeks followed. Counts remained normal for almost an entire year.

February 2025, time for my 1 year follow up. Labs were done prior to appointment - 64k (251k just 3 mo earlier). Again, shocked. Hematologist stated infusions typically last 1-3 years. So essentially I got 1 year out of them.

We now have a new plan in place.

I have an amazing hematologist. I have amazing support from my family & friends. I am very lucky. I know this is just another blip on the radar and we will come out on the other side!

While it had been off our radar for so long, I guess I am a lifer! And proud of it! I’m excited to be in this community of such lovely and supportive people! I know I am not alone. My family knows we are not alone.

Interested in sharing your journey with ITP? Submit your ITP story here. (Full names and contact information will not be shared).