What I Wish I Knew: Managing ITP as a Chronic Condition

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On the eve of the 4-year anniversary of Sadie Wright’s diagnosis with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), her parents shared important lessons learned throughout their journey. One of the biggest lessons was understanding that ITP is a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, but instead of focusing on the highs and lows, it is essential to manage the symptoms and not get caught up in the numbers.

Early on, when Sadie’s platelet count was low, her family was focused on trying to "fix" the problem, especially when the count was far below the normal range of 250,000 to 400,000. But over time, they realized that the platelet count is just a number. The real challenge is learning how to live with ITP, focusing on Sadie’s symptoms and needs at each moment, rather than obsessing over the numbers.

Her parents even documented Sadie’s platelet counts at every appointment for the first year and a half, but eventually stopped, realizing that the most important thing was how to care for Sadie and meet her needs in the face of ITP.