Crash Course in ITP

These past few days have been a whirlwind to say the least. Dave went for a routine doctor's visit on Thursday afternoon, after having some follow up blood work done Tuesday to check his cholesterol. He had been bruising easily, as well. While at the appointment the doctor had good things to report about his cholesterol...it was now normal:) While looking at the report he noticed that Dave's platelet levels were Dangerously low. A normal person has a platelet level of 140,000-400,000. Dave's were 9,000. With a level of 10,000 or lower you are at high risk for spontaneous bleeding. Dave was escorted across the street to Arcadia Methodist Hospital and taken to the Emergency room where they did further testing to determine what was causing the low platelet count. At this point the doctor called me and asked me to meet Dave at the hospital and to find someone to watch the kids. We are thankful to our church family that came to the rescue and helped out tremendously!
In the emergency room he underwent a CAT scan to make sure he had no internal bleeding on his brain. That came back clear. They did another blood test and determined that he needed to be admitted to the hospital immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Upon admission to the hospital, he was diagnosed with ITP(Immune Thrombocytopinia Purpura), an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys platelet cells that play a role in blood clotting. It is not contagious and can not be passed from one person to another. No specific test can prove that you have this and there is no known cause.
ITP can be acute or chronic meaning it could be a long or short road to full recovery. It is not a life threatening condition unless his level is low and he experienced trauma of some sort.
After the diagnosis, they started the first treatment, a platelet transfusion. He underwent the treatment without any complications or side effects:) Then, they administered corticosteroids to supress the immune system to stop it from killing off the platelets. He was in the hospital for two days, so they could monitor him and make sure his platelets stayed at a safe level.  They drew his blood numerous times and determined they were at a safe level to return home. He was sent home on Saturday afternoon with an appointment for Monday morning to check the levels again.
All the while, Dave is the most positive person I know. Thursday night I said to him, "I am sorry you have to go through this Dave." He said, " It will build my empathy." His attitude has taught me so much over the years.
We are happy to report that today was the appointment and they did another test, and although it is not back to normal levels, it is increasing. It is at 54,000. The doctor was optimistic that the steroids are working, so that will be his course of treatment for now. Hopefully that is all that he needs and we will cross any other bridges as we go. For now, we ask for your prayers for a full recovery and strength in the process. We have already learned a lot in this process like don't worry until you have to:) We have felt God's assurance that He has a plan for Dave, even in the midst of a hardship like this.

We have appreciated the support and help from so many people that watched our kids, brought us food, movies and drinks in the hospital, gave advice, words of encouragement and those that prayed from afar!

The view from our hotel....I mean hospital room. Dave said, at that point he would have rather been playing golf across the street at that course than sitting in the room. That says a lot...he is not a huge fan of playing golf:)

Dave's Hemotologist that will be helping us through this. We are comforted knowing he is one of the top doctors in his field in our area. Thankful for that!