ITP, metal and bone fusion
 

I have Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). During the past 20 years I've had it 3x's. Once in the early 90's after a severe sunburn and swimming in a local lake (metals from boats in lake water). Second time was two years ago when I was accidently poked in the leg with a tomato cage at the local hardware store. This second incident caused me to make the metal connection to the ITP. Recently I had a bone fusion in which a plate and 4 screws were used. I now have petechiae which has always accompanied the ITP. I am wondering if I need to have the plates and screws removed. This is very unnerving, would appreciate any input. My PCP said in passing that I might be allergic to the plate/screws and then a light bulb went off with the 2 prior incidents. My mom always told me 'you are the best advocate for your health' and I have always ascribed to this thinking...now I am seriously wondering if I am right and may need surgery again. :confused:

Hi ronisea

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

I hope that you will find the community as knowledgeable and supportive as I have.

As far as I can see from a PubMed search there are no known associations between metal ions and ITP (there is just one case-report of iron deficiency leading to ITP).

All the best.

I too have ITP. First time I've seen it mentioned on this forum. Mine seems to be associated with autoimmune issues. I have Lupus and other things. I had ITP very badly the first time around the age of 17 after a bad kidney infection.
For me, I don't see an association with metals. Right this moment, my platelets are super low and are being watched. I'm very concerned. I've always taken prednisone in the past, but for various reasons can't take this anymore (should they get dangerously low). What tx have you had in the past for your ITP?

Ronisea...it's possible, perhaps, you have some sort of mild issue with autoimmune illness. I say mild, because usually they are obvious, but not always. The sun can cause my Lupus and other issues to flare. Same with any surgery. Having a foreign object in your body, would make someone with an autoimmune illness more prone to a flare. Autoimmune flares, make me more prone to ITP.
It's a small possibility. You might ask your doctor if they could do some, at least basic testing for autoimmune illnesses like a Lupus.

I agree with Vowel Lady - it seems that ITP usually has an auto-immune component.

You might find the information here helpful in terms of questions to ask your doctor; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...n/con-20034239 .