How Kieran Walker treated low platelet count?
Note - This article is written by one of our patients about their experiences with low platelet count.
Kieran Walker is my name. I'm a 32-year-old lady who recently got married to James, the love of my life. We imagined a time of love, joy, and hopes that we all shared. We had no idea what a surprise life would throw at us.
I began having sudden nosebleeds, regular bruises, and unexplained spells of exhaustion a few months after our wedding. At first, I thought these symptoms were just annoyances. However, as they grew worse and lingered, I realised I needed to see a doctor.
I explained my worries to Dr. Stevens, a caring haematologist, who listened intently as I described the reoccurring symptoms. He requested a number of tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), to determine the underlying cause.
Note - More stories from other patients at the end of this page
My mind raced with excitement as I awaited the exam results. Dr. Stevens entered the room, his face displaying a mix of empathy and worry. He gave me the information that would change my life's trajectory forever. "Emily, you have a very low platelet count. The reading right now is 138, which is below the normal range.
I had a hard time processing how important his remarks were. Platelet count too low? How does that make sense? I was able to speak, but my voice trembled from terror.
Platelets are essential blood cells that are in charge of clotting and controlling excessive bleeding, as Dr. Stevens patiently explained. Low platelet counts, or thrombocytopenia, increase the risk of uncontrollable bleeding from any cause, even minor wounds or internal bleeding.
The normal range of 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood was much below the level of 138. As I struggled to process the ramifications of such a diagnosis, this information sent a tsunami of uncertainty pouring over me.
I asked Dr. Stevens for advice on what to do next. He reassured me that we would now turn our attention to determining the source of my low platelet count. Further testing to rule out probable infections, evaluation of my medical history in-depth, and autoimmune illnesses would all be required for this.
I had a series of medical tests in the weeks that followed, from bone marrow biopsies to assessments of my immune system. I felt a mixture of hope and fear before each test because I was desperate for information and a method to take back control of my health.
James, my loving spouse, was by my side constantly during this trying time. He never wavered in his love and support, accompanying me to every appointment. We agreed to work as a team to overcome this unforeseen obstacle.
The test results came back after what felt like an age. It revealed that I had been given the autoimmune disease immunological thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Low platelet counts are caused by ITP, which causes the immune system to wrongly attack and kill platelets.
The weight of receiving a conclusive diagnosis was bittersweet. We now had some understanding, but we also had to accept that we would have to manage the disease for the rest of our lives.
Dr. Stevens talked about numerous therapies, including drugs that increase platelet production and lessen the immune system's attack on platelets. He emphasised the value of routine check-ups, ongoing platelet count monitoring, and adopting certain lifestyle modifications to reduce bleeding risks.
James and I made a commitment to maintain our fortitude in the face of hardship from that point on. We accepted our new situation and adapted our lifestyles to include doctor visits, medication, and a greater awareness of my physical limitations. In search of comfort, we turned to social networks, making connections with people who had gone through similar things and swapping triumphant and tenacious tales.
My platelet count is continuously low, but my spirit is unshaken. Despite the fact that I am not fighting alone, I keep fighting. I face the future with James with unshakeable optimism because I am convinced that love and fortitude can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
People also viewed:
- How Hadlee Lamb treated low platelet count levels?
- How Stella Bauer treated low platelet count levels?
- How Kieran Walker treated low platelet count levels?
- How Hazel Kramer treated low platelet count levels?
- How Kylan Lawson treated low platelet count levels?
- How Phoebe Skinner treated low platelet count levels?
- How Ridge Townsend treated low platelet count levels?
- How Azalea Davila treated low platelet count levels?
