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Tips for Managing ITP
Persistent or chronic ITP
Persistent or chronic ITP
Taking back control from ITP starts with setting clear treatment goals with your doctor
Consider discussing the following treatment goals:
- Establishing a target platelet count
- Getting platelets to your target count and maintaining them over time
- Managing ITP symptoms so you can keep up with the daily activities that are important to you
- Choosing the treatment that best suits your needs and lifestyle
Planning ahead: Tips on daily life with ITP
ITP can be challenging. Nevertheless, with the help of the right treatment and a healthy lifestyle, it can be manageable. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself, in addition to your treatment for persistent or chronic ITP.
Eating right
It’s no secret that your diet is an important contributor to your overall health. The trouble is, what exactly is in a healthy ITP diet? There is a lot of conflicting (and complicated!) advice out there, which can be confusing. Here are some tips that can help.
The US Department of Health and Human Services publishes Dietary Guidelines to help people make good choices when it comes to their diet. Here are some highlights from the guidelines to help you with yours.
Do eat:
- A variety of vegetables, including dark green, red, and orange; legumes (beans and peas); starchy vegetables
- Whole fruits
- Whole grains
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
- A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats, poultry, and legumes
- Oils
Limit:
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Added sugars
- Sodium (salt)
Being active
Getting exercise is another important part of staying healthy. Even with low platelet counts, most people with persistent or chronic ITP can still do a number of different activities, such as the ones listed below. Consult your doctor about whether these activities (and others) might be safe for you.
Get active! Try:
- Aquatic exercises
- Archery
- Some types of dancing
- Elliptical machines
- Fishing
- Tai chi
- Snorkeling
- Stationary bike training
- Stepper training
- Swimming
- Walking
These exercises are pulled from a list at Hemophilia.org’s Steps for Living, which has some great resources on safely exercising with a bleeding disorder. Visit the site to learn more.
Life with ITP can sometimes be emotionally difficult. It is important to reach out for support when you need it.
Tips for taking care of yourself
- Identify your circle of support. Talk to friends and family when you need to. Be open and honest about the challenges of living with ITP
- Ask extended family and friends for help, such as: Driving to and from doctor appointments, looking after your children to give you an evening to yourself, etc
- Find things that you love to do and make time for them. Even small things can help
- Develop your skills and talents that are not limited by ITP, such as cooking, learning a new language, gardening, or painting. There are plenty of things you can do while managing low platelet counts
- If possible, spend time with other people who have ITP or even other chronic illnesses. A supportive community can go a long way
If all else fails and you’re still feeling down, reach out to a therapist for help. You are not in this alone.
Useful Links for ITP Help
- Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) www.pdsa.org
A helpful resource for ITP education, advocacy, research, and support, the PDSA website can help you find ITP experts or hematology centers of excellence near you
- Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders (FWGBD) www.fwgbd.org/patient
Helping to ensure that all women with blood disorders are correctly diagnosed and treated at every stage of life
- American Society of Hematology www.hematology.org/education/patients
Furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of certain blood and bone disorders through educational resources, tools, and tips
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia
NHLBI promotes the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases
- National Organization for Rare Disorders www.rarediseases.org
Providing a unified voice for those with rare diseases and their caregivers, seeking to help them so they won’t have to fight their battle alone
You can also sign up for the PROMACTA® (eltrombopag) Patient Support Program here.
