This is one of the biggest questions I constantly ask – will ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) decrease my life expectancy and how long can someone with chronic ITP expect to live?
Although this condition is manageable whilst I am still young, fit and healthy I wonder what happens when I get old. Old people need operations, they are unstable on their feet and their body starts to breakdown. This is a part of life however will ITP play another factor in my life expectancy and will it decrease my years here?
Therefor I have researched and researched to find out what I am in for and what am I looking forward to in my future? I got to say what I have found is pretty grim and scary.
The below study done in 2000 showcases that having a low platelet count carriers a grave prognosis and predicts that a woman 30 years old whom suffers from chronic ITP (eg. Like Me) could potentially lose 20 years of her potential life expectancy.
I don’t know about you guys but this study scares the shit out of me! 20 years is an extremely long time and as much as I hate the fact of getting old I’d like to think that I will be around to see my grandchildren and if I’m lucky my great grandchildren.
I also decided to research the average life expectancy of an average women in Australia, our life expectancy is approx. 85 years however if the below study is correct then because I have chronic ITP my life expectancy is approx.. 65 years. Meaning if these average studies are right and I fall into the average category then I have about 30 years left. That may seem like a lot however to me it just doesn't seem enough. Think about it considering the average retirement age will be approx 70 years old in my years to come, that means I won't even be able to enjoy any years of retirement (I will work until I die).
The thought that I could lose 20 years off my life from this stupid condition is just something I cannot comprehend. This made me want to research more because surely this is not the only study done. This then led me to another study conducted in Great Britain. Whilst this study does not give any approx. years of life expectancy it does showcase that people whom have chronic ITP have an approx. 60% higher rate of mortality compared to those whom do not have ITP with a massive increase in ITP related deaths when a patient is over the age of 45. Scary stuff!
After my initial shock and a bit of a cry I started to think rationally and realise these studies were done years ago and there has been much advancement in the medical profession. They are also estimates not exact timelines therefor are not 100%. I also need to remind myself that those suffering from ITP although not often do at times go into remission. Fingers crossed I am one of those lucky ones.
Although 20 years in the back of my mind is hard to erase however deep down inside I know whether you are healthy or not the future is not guaranteed. Nobody knows what their future will hold and nothing is set in stone. Therefor I suppose the only thing I can do is live each day to the fullest, take care of myself and spend my time wisely.