Something I thought that I was quite important to have learnt today:

Q: In addition to a low platelet count, I’m tired. Is this a normal part of the disease?

A : Many people with ITP find they have a problem with fatigue. However, the cause of this fatigue is not well understood. In addition to general fatigue that may be associated with being ill, the treatments for ITP can contribute to fatigue by disrupting the sleep cycle and placing other types of stress on the body.

Q: Is depression a normal part of the disease?

A : Many people with ITP report being depressed. Again there are several possible explanations. One factor might be serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is carried by platelets and delivered to the brain and other parts of the body. Since serotonin helps regulate moods a disruption in serotonin processing could contribute to depression. Another factor is simply that you are dealing with a difficult and potentially chronic illness. This can lead to feelings of isolation, fear, and anger that your body has “turned against you”. A third factor is the treatments. Many of them list depression as a potential side effect.

Q: Are aches and pains a normal part of the disease?

A : Some patients report these symptoms along with their ITP.

Q: Will changing my diet or life-style make a difference?

A : Some patients report that eating a healthier diet, exercising, meditating, avoiding toxins, etc. have a positive effect on their platelet count and how they feel. It is also important to avoid those substances, such as alcohol, that can harm the bone marrow or substances such as aspirin that interfere with platelet function.

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I will never be able to fully understand the pain and suffering she goes through, but I hope that I’ll be able to provide her with the strength to carry on. I hope that she’ll willingly take good care of herself so that these things would not bother her again, as much as they are bothering her now. I hope that she listens. that she rests. that she trusts. that she believes.

 

dejectium out

0250 hrs gmt +7

14 october 2005

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