Platelets

[swramsay]

Petey,
Your post was very informative. Thanks. You mentioned a doctor at Duke that believed there was a link between ESRD and ITP. Do you remember her name? I want to talk with her or a least search for any articles she may have written. Ever since the removal of my last kidney this past September, I have had low platelets. They were completely normal before surgery and now they range from 20's to 89 at the last count. No one seems to know the reason for this either. I know it has something to do with dialysis or my absense of kidneys. I wonder if it could be the membranes of the dialyzer, the high blood flow rate or something else.

Question...did Marvin have ITP before he began dialysis or did it happen after dialysis began? My end stage renal disease began immediately upon surgery requiring dialysis at the same time. I have no way to distinquish if the ITP is related to dialysis specifically or to ESRD.

[paris]

Swarmsay,  my brother doesn't have ESRD.  Since ITP is idiopathic, they can't link his to any direct cause.  I have kidney disease and my platelets are normal.    Maybe Petey can give you more information.   

[cris]

Rose,
lots of hugs
Your Dad is 80 yrs. old same with Nanay. Sometimes it scares us so much.
Rest assured your Dad and your family is in my prayers.
love,
cris

[rose1999]

They have started Dad on the steroids (injections) and he seemed a little brighter last night, but hasn't eaten a thing for 3 days and with everything else that makes him very weak.  They are also giving him extra dialysis as he has a lot of fluid on his chest. They are still seeking the cause of it all.  We continue to pray for his recovery, he has been such a kind, generous and active man and it is heartbreaking to see him suffering like this.  Yes Cris you are right,  it does scare us.

Thank you all for your support.  I bless the day I found this site.
Rose xx

[petey]

Rose, I'm glad that your dad seems a little better after the steroid injections.  Maybe he'll continue to improve.  I've got my fingers crossed for you and for him.

Petey,
Your post was very informative. Thanks. You mentioned a doctor at Duke that believed there was a link between ESRD and ITP. Do you remember her name? I want to talk with her or a least search for any articles she may have written. Ever since the removal of my last kidney this past September, I have had low platelets. They were completely normal before surgery and now they range from 20's to 89 at the last count. No one seems to know the reason for this either. I know it has something to do with dialysis or my absense of kidneys. I wonder if it could be the membranes of the dialyzer, the high blood flow rate or something else.

Question...did Marvin have ITP before he began dialysis or did it happen after dialysis began? My end stage renal disease began immediately upon surgery requiring dialysis at the same time. I have no way to distinquish if the ITP is related to dialysis specifically or to ESRD.

swramsay,
The doc at Duke who thought there was a link between ITP and ESRD was Dr. Gail Macik.  However, that was in about 1995-96, and she's no longer at Duke (not sure where she went to from there).  Marvin was only her patient for a short while (maybe six months or so) before she moved on, and he now sees a different hematologist at Duke.

Marvin was diagnosed with ITP in December of 1986, long before ESRD and dialysis (ESRD diagnosis was in March of 1995 -- came on suddenly).  Because of the almost-ten year span between the ITP and the ESRD, many of his doctors don't think there's a link.  But, like Dr. Macik, I do -- we just can't prove it.

[kimcanada]

Rose  thinking of you

[pelagia]

Dear Rose, It does sound like things are headed in the right direction.  I hope your dad begins to gain his strength back quickly.  Perhaps they won't find the cause, but hopefully they will be able to manage the symptoms. Sending you love and hugs, Linda 

[rose1999]

The hematologist came today and told us that they believe Dad has ITP and I was able to say "oh I've heard of that, the husband of a friend of mine has that"  He explained about steroids and that they will try oral ones now (to save keep 'stabbing' Dad and bruising him!) so we are praying that they work.  Thanks to your wonderful explanation Petey I have been able to explain all about it to Dad (and Mum) and it's given him a bit of hope.

But then we were struck a blow when the Sister came and told us tests show he has had another heart attack. He was in terrible chest pain during his first night in hospital and tests have now show it was another heart attack.  He had 2 in October and now this, his heart is obviously becoming weaker with the blocked arteries etc.  It seems as one obstacle is overcome then another is put in our path, but we will do our best to keep going with a smile on our faces.  Thanks for all the support and advice, you are such great people. 

[paddbear0000]

Given your Dad's history with heart attacks, why on earth did they not check him out when he was having the chest pains??!! They could have treated him then, instead of letting more heart muscle die these last few days.  I'm keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers.   

[petey]

Rose,
I know you must feel like it's just one thing after another.  Bless your heart.  I'm thinking of you and Dad and Mum.  Sending hugs and love across the ocean...

[lola]

OMGoodness Rose just saw this,  Hang in there and I hope your Dad is doing better. Now about the heart attack why did it take them a couple days to figure that out, I think more and more Dr's need . xoxoxox

[thegrammalady]

  hopefully today will find things a bit better. you will be in my thoughts. it's hard to watch our parents decline, i know just how you feel.

[rose1999]

Unfortunately the steroids have not helped, they are going to try 5 days of intravenous  immunoglobulin (IVIG) - but they have to take care to avoid fluid overload as they say another heart attack could take him, his heart is in such a bad way (some of you will remember that in October he was told he needed a triple herart by pass and valve replacement but he was given little chance of surviving the op and after discussion with Mr Mascaro, the surgeon,  it was decided not to go ahead).  We can only pin our hopes on the IVIG now.

[petey]

thinking of you, Rose

[willieandwinnie]

  Thinking and praying for your Dad and you Rose. 

[monrein]

Thinking of you and your family, Rose. 

[swramsay]

Rose,
I'm very moved by your plight and am praying for a break and a miracle for your father.

[2_DallasCowboys]

Sending prayers and hugs for you and Dad

Anne

[pelagia]

Dear Rose,  I'm sorry that this is turning out to be so difficult for your dad.  I am sure that you must all be exhausted.  I pray that they will turn this around and help your father regain his strength.  Try to feel the love and caring that is coming your way from around the globe.  We are all sending it your way.  Love, Linda

[paul.karen]

Rose i am sending many prayers for your father and your family.

[paddbear0000]

 

[rose1999]

Every day I get home from the hospital and feel down and sad, then I read your messages and the love wraps around me, it's strange - I've never met any of you but I care about you all and I know you care about me and my family.  Thank you so much.

[paris]

We do love you Rose    And those of us who watched their Dads suffer like yours is, understand the pain your heart is in.   Take care or yourself during all of this.  Give your Dad a gentle hug from me.   

[paddbear0000]

You're very lucky to be able to be there with your Dad through all of this. I was away at college when my father was suffering through the final stages of and then passed from Lou Gehrig's. I regret having gone back to school that semester to this day.   

[jessup]

 
lots of love and well wishes for you, your Dad and family