The first step in minimizing ITP symptoms is to treat the condition with medication. But there are also lifestyle strategies you can try to manage these challenges:
1. Extreme Fatigue
As with most autoimmune diseases, fatigue can be a problem, says Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, MD, a hematologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “The root of fatigue is inflammation. When your body is inflamed, the cytokines that are released in blood circulation will lead to fatigue,” she says.
Steroids, which are a common first-line treatment for ITP, can also cause fatigue, she says. They can not only have an impact on sleep, causing insomnia, but also worsen your mood and cause depression, which can also contribute to fatigue.
While it may sound counterintuitive, be more active. A lack of physical activity can cause poor sleep, says Dr. Wolanskyj-Spinner. Try to keep your sleep habits consistent, too.
2. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
An important piece of managing this challenge is open communication between you, your hematologist, and your gynecologist to discuss the best treatment options for you, says Dr. Martin. You can also ask your doctor whether you should:
- Take iron supplements to prevent anemia
- Eat more iron-rich foods, such as beans, beef, and spinach
- Drink more water, which can help boost blood volume
3. Physical Activity Restrictions
You may have routinely enjoyed sports and physical activities before your ITP diagnosis, but you may need to give them up if they carry a high risk of injury or bleeding.
“No contact sports, no horseback riding — nothing that could end in traumatic injury,” says Martin. He uses his patients’ platelet numbers as his guide for when to suggest limiting activity and when to “loosen the reins.”
That doesn’t mean you can’t be active in other ways, though: He suggests generally safer activities, such as walking, running, tennis, and swimming, for people with ITP.
4. Anxiety or Depression
Mood changes and depression can result from having to give up a favorite activity that poses a bleeding risk. Steroids are also known to affect mood and could be the root of anxiety.
These feelings are real. But you can also take steps toward managing emotions, so you can have a healthy approach to living with ITP. Some strategies include:
- Physical Activity Even a brief walk outside can lift your mood. Any safe physical activity that you enjoy is worth the time.
- A Balanced Diet While quick, processed foods are easy and seem comforting when you’re dealing with uncomfortable emotions, healthier eating options are better for your physical and mental well-being.
- Positive Thinking Staying positive can help your outlook and have a positive impact on your health.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Talk to a mental health practitioner if your feelings of anxiety and depression persist, says Martin. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, has been shown to be particularly beneficial for improving stress and mood for people with chronic diseases and may also be helpful for ITP.
5. Frequent Medical Appointments
If ITP is having an impact on your ability to work, says Martin, consider talking to your employer about accommodations. “I encourage them to speak to their employer about their need for treatment, so they are able to focus on their health.”
The Takeaway
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is treatable, but the condition can still cause some challenges that can affect day-to-day life.
- ITP-related problems, such as fatigue, activity restriction, and heavy menstrual bleeding, can pose challenges.
- Work with your doctor and ITP care team to find ways to improve symptoms and your quality of life.
