What is a bone marrow test and why might I need it?
A. Platelets are produced in your bone marrow. This test may be performed to exclude another cause of low platelets. First a shot of novocaine or other numbing agent is given. Then a needle is inserted through the bone and into the marrow. A small sample from the marrow is then suctioned out and examined. While some people experience little or no pain, others do experience some pain. Q. Is there a cure for ITP? A. While there is no established cure for ITP, many patients find their platelet count improves with one or more types of treatment. Some patients report that changing their diet or life style helps them feel better and improves their platelet counts (If you say this, you must tell them exactly what to do and exactly what to eat and not to eat because you have now made them responsible for their outcome). The disease can go into remission for a long time, perhaps for the remainder of a persons life. ITP can also recur. There is currently no way to predict the course of the disea
