Great News! So after a grueling weekend patiently waiting for my follow up visit, im glad to say that I am steriod responsive (Prednisone is working)!
My levels have jumped from a low 12,000 to a massive high 130,000 - hey im almost at a normal human beings platelet count and let me tell you it feels fabulous. I have so much extra energy and im peeking. However I've been on this rollercoaster before and unfortunately I know whats install.
What goes up must come down and its going to be a real downer (to learn more about the side effects i've experienced with prednisone check out my post Prednisone - what to expect). But enough about me let's talk a little more about Prednisone and what it does.
Prednisone is a steriod that is effective as an immune suppressant. This drug mimics the effects of hormones in your adrenal glands (just above your kidneys) and can help surpress inflammation and lower the activity in your immune system.
So i think you get it - it lowers your immune system! Which is great for ITP patients who have overactive immune systems however this drug does make you more acceptable to infection and disease. Plus when taken over an extensive period of time there are many more serious side effects such as osteoporosis, heart attack, obesity, diabetes and psychotic behaviour.
When taking prednisone over a 7 day period its extremely important to taper off instead of abruptly stopping. Reason being is your body may temporarily become reliant on you taking prednisone and may temporarily stop manufacturing natural cortisol.
Natural Cortisol has a very important role in your body it pretty much regulates a wide variety of processes throughout your body which include immune response, metabolism and your bodies response to stress. So you really don't want your body to stop manufacturing this naturally.
To learn more about cotisol check this out: http://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/cortisol/
Fingers crossed this info helps for those whom may be considering taking prednisone treatment for their ITP.