ITP And MS...any Advice?

Updated on August 25, 2008
T.E. asks from Bernville, PA
13 answers

Hi Ladies. This has been a particularly hard year for me. Back in March I was hospitalized with ITP (an auto-immune blood disorder) and in May was told that I probably have MS too. I have been going thru a ton of tests and the results seem to lean toward an MS diagnosis and the next thing I need to have done is the Lumbar Puncture which really scares me. I'm also on steroids for the ITP which just put me back in the hospital 3 weeks ago, and now have to consider getting my spleen out. Anyway, I sometimes feel like I'm so alone in all of this. My poor husband is very supportive and tries to be understanding but the bottom line is that I feel like I can't handle all of this on my own. I'm not sure what medical decisions I should be making regarding the ITP either. So my question is...does anyone out there have any experience with either of these diseases that might be able to offer some insight? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone for your support and imput. I did unfortunately get an MS diagnosis. It took a few weeks for me to come to terms with it and now I'm getting on with life. I have gotten on a medication, Copaxone, and have been treated for Optic Nuritis with even more steroids. So I seem to have gotten the ITP under control, but only because I am considered a chronic steroid user.
I will also be going to the MS Convention in Valley Forge in November and try to get in with a local support group.
This is my hand in life and I will play it to the best of my ability, if not only for myself for the sake of my family.
Thanks again.

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I also have an autoimmune disease...it is called IGA nephropathy. It damages my kidneys and my energy at that!! I am on a few medicines and have had many tests. I just want you to know that you are not alone. I do have days where i feel so sick and it gets me down. But... there are many good days :-) I wish you the best with what you are going through. If you need to talk i am here....

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K.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

T., I just wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts.

Blessings,
K.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.E.

answers from Erie on

I have had MS for 8 years now, if you ever want to message me through here with any questions. unfortunatly MS is different for everyone so I can't tell you whats going to happen to you. I have to use a walker around the house and a wheelchair when I go out while others are doing fine. the big thing they say is to get on one of the drugs as early as possible so talk to your doctor or neurologist about the options.

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R.G.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hello - I don't have any information about either of those illnesses but I just wanted to offer you my heartfelt best wishes and blessings.

Perhaps you can ask you doctor for information on any MS support groups. Best of luck with your decisions.

God bless.

R.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi T.,
I'm a RN and when I worked in hematology/oncology, they were using a drug called Rituxan for ITP. It's an infusion, so you would need to go to a clinic and stay for 4-6 hours. IVIG is another infusion, again you will be there all day due to the possibility of reaction, they must be infused slowly. I assume you are seeing a hematologist for this. If they are professional, they won't mind you asking. My prayers are with you.
A.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi T.,
I'm so sorry to hear that this year has been so tough. I don't have much knowledge about the tests that you are undergoing, but I do know that no person can go through these struggles alone. My family and I are strong believers in the power of prayer and the Lord's willingness to heal. We will be praying for you and your family. I'm in Westampton and also a stay at home mom. If I can be of any help( play date, coffee!, etc..) please feel free to contact me.

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A.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My SIL has had MS for 12 years and is on Avonex as one other poster is. The one thing that I am sure that she would reiterate to you is this: Whatever treatment you decide to do or try...don't put it off. My SIL had decided to not have aggressive treatment early on and suffered some damage that is non-reversible. After she came to grips with her diagnosis and went on various treatments, her MS attacks and new "activity" on her MRI's have decreased or diminished alltogether. If you feel that you are slipping into denial, get help from a friend or support group. The disease is different for everyone but I think you should exhaust all possible options for treatment. You are in my prayers.

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F.V.

answers from Lancaster on

T.,
I do not have any experience or knowledge for what you are going through. I just wanted to send you my best and to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Best,
Christina

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N.K.

answers from Lancaster on

I feel for you and your situation. I can provide some insight on MS. I am 30 and have had MS since I was 19. Since my diagnosis, I have become a nurse at 20, got married at 21, and have had 3 kids, ages 7, 3, and 10 months. As someone else said previously, MS is different for each person. There are several treatments out there for MS. I have been on the one called Avonex. It has worked great for me. Something else might work for you. Talk to your doctor about your options. So far I have been fortunate to be able to have my MS controlled. I have not needed any assistive devises at this point. It is scary to have the diagnosis, but I assure you that you will be able to work thru it. It will be hard at times, but you can do it. Surround yourself with people who will support you and assist you when you need help. Also, a support group might be helpful. Talking to others who can relate to you is calming. They know what kinds of things you are going thru. I went to a support group upon my diagnosis and it really helped me get thru that time. Just remember this common saying that has been said so many times before, " I may have MS, but MS doesn't have me!" I will place a private message to you, and if you want to email me with any questions, feel free too. BE STRONG AND KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! You'll get thru this.

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L.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi T.,
I am going to forward some testimonials to you for MS. and will look for some on ITP.
I have a health and nutrition business and would love to help you. One of the best products that has helped many people is OPC-3. For scientific info and freq. asked questions, you can go on my website www.healthmadesimple.net and click on Isotonix OPC-3. My contact info is on there too if you would like to call me.
My prayers are with you.lisa
Nov 27, 2006
Hi BigAl,
MS and other autoimmune disorders, some which are neurologically associated and others which are endocrine, should all be treated with OPC-3, Vitamin B-12, Multitech, Aloe Vera and Omega-III.
 
The key point is that the doses are usually higher than usual treatment doses.  For example, someone with severe neurological symptoms and fatigue may require 9 capfuls of OPC-3 a day.  This is something that should be titrated up or down.  Of course, I recommend that the individual obtain clearance from their doctor because they may be taking medications that may counteract or react adversely to the supplements.
 
Starting off with 3-4 capfuls twice a day of OPC-3 is a good starting point.  I would also recommend doubling the doses of the other products listed above.  Of course, the patient must be educated that it takes time in most instances for the supplements to kick in and that they will should be patient.  I also recommend the distributors remember that the supplements do not treat any disorder- they just assist the body in doing what GOD gave it the power to do.  The importance of mind, body and spirit can't be emphasized enough.
 
All research shows that placebos work in 33% of all cases, so try to instill a sense of expectation of a positive result without actually telling patients that OPC-3 "cures" or even "decreases" cholesterol, etc. (just an example).
 
People are complex and it is hard to coach them if you don't know their diet, lifestyle, habits, etc. so again, do what JR has taught us all so well- just get to know your customers.
 
Dr. Zulu 
//////////////////////////////////////////////
*** Testimonies on MS

*** These are actual unsolicited testimonials in our files. They are not to be considered as a claim of medical efficacy and should be considered as anecdotal in nature. You should always consult your physician before beginning any treatment program. ***
===============================================

Hi Guys, this is the testimony I sent to Dennis Franks regarding one of my distributor's customer health challenge with MS. 

July 18, 2002

In early April, 2001 I complained of dizziness to the point that I could not drive. On that same day I lost my hearing in my right ear. I went to the doctor who referred me to an ear, nose and throat specialist. After examination and an ear test, I was required to do an MRI, and he came to the conclusion that I had nerve damage. In the meantime the doctor prescribed Meclizine, 25mg, once a day and Transderm SCOP patches 1.5 mg. This was not having any positive effect. He immediately scheduled an appointment with a neurologist.
Upon examination, the doctor ordered two consecutive MRI, which showed signs of multiple sclerosis. This was followed by a spinal tap which was in general, negative. According to the neurologist, the spinal tap was not completely negative and showed signs of impending multiple sclerosis. The neurologist also prescribed Clonazepam 0.5 mg, three times a day and later Aricept, 5 mg at night and on March 21, 2002 I was put on Betaseron injections every other day (cost of $900.00 for a 30 day supply).
In the meantime my symptoms were getting worse. I could not keep my balance, was veering to the right in walking, was forced to use a cane, trembling as I walked and slurred speech became worse. There was numbness in my fingers and I could not perform many tasks. There was slowness in thought processes, and my blurred vision became worse even though I changed my glasses.
About a week after taking the OPC3, Antioxidant, Aloe Vera Drink and Mineral Blast, I stopped walking with a cane. My legs became stronger, my body felt better and I could perform more chores, the numbness in my fingers got better to the point that I could button my shirts without help. Prior to this my
daughter had to help me with this simple chore. Huette McKay
===============================================
Hi Team....I was diagnosed with MS about 6 years ago. I tried everything the medical field had...beta shots, diet, etc., and nothing seemed to help longterm. As a single parent of two and a very stressful sales position with a corporate company, I struggled with what to do as my speech began to slur, my left side was numb from my face to my toes, legs hurt constantly,tired all the time, tripped over nothing and had headaches that codine couldn't hardly help any longer.

Two years ago a neighbor introduced me to OPC3 .... in 5-6 weeks all my symptoms had gone into remission! :-) I have had several life crisis' that have slightly agitated my MS, but with additional doses in the afternoon, along with Aloe, I have kept it in check.
My sinus infections that I would normally get 2-3 times a year ... GONE....I have not been sick with anythng in these two years.
I recommend to people to initially take no less than 2 capsful of OPC3 in the a.m., but if possible, 2 in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m.....If they are willing, I also recommend taking B-12 and Aloe also, but sometimes, too much at once can scare them off. I try to introduce more, as they begin to feel some relief just from the OPC3.
Well, I hope this helps and good luck. (also, my testimonial is in one of the Health News papers)

Jorji Jett UFO Corvallis, Or ATG # 5039

Later note:


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M.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi T.,
I have information and professionals who have treated MS patients. What does ITP stand for? If you would like to contact me, I would be happy to share the information I have.
Sincerely, M.
I'm new to Mamasource so don't know whether I should put my e-mail or how to have you contact me.

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K.M.

answers from Reading on

Hi T.,

I'm so sorry to hear that. My mother has MS and was diagnosed when she was 28. My sister and I were very young at the time of her diagnosis. Although, I don't know to much about the medical part of it, I am here for support if you ever need to chat.

K. M

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J.B.

answers from Scranton on

Hi Tanya,
I was diagnosed with ITP in 1992 and was on prednisone for two years. When they tried to wean me off the platelets went back down. So the result was to remove my splean, which was producing antibodies that were killing the platelets. I would not necessarily recommend it as it was serious surgery and nowadays there may be more natural ways to cure this. I work now in the wellness inustry and there are many healthier alternatives...feel free to write to me here or at ____@____.com

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