Tips for living well with immune thrombocytopenia
Last updated July 21, 2025, by Lisa Basile
Fact-checked by PatrÃcia Silva, PhD
Living with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) might seem unpredictable at times, but it’s entirely possible to live well with ITP. With the right care, support, and a few lifestyle changes, many people manage ITP successfully and continue doing what they love.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or navigating long-term treatment, there are ways to feel more in control and supported throughout your journey.
Adjusting to life after an ITP diagnosis
Getting an ITP diagnosis might feel overwhelming, especially if you had to face diagnostic delays (like the estimated 22% of people with ITP who do). Between doctor visits and figuring out a treatment plan, it might feel like your world has suddenly shifted.
But understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward regaining a sense of control.
Find the right doctor for you
While ITP is often initially discovered by an emergency physician or a primary care doctor, the condition is usually treated by hematologists — doctors who specialize in disorders of the blood and bone marrow.
Many hematologists further specialize in specific conditions, so finding a doctor who is knowledgeable about ITP is helpful.
Come prepared with questions
Before your appointment, jot down any questions you may have, such as what treatments are available to you, what kinds of exercises you can do, or what to do if you experience severe bleeding. Getting these answers can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
Building a care plan with your medical team
Not every person with ITP will experience the same symptoms or receive the same treatment. So, your ITP care plan will be unique to you.
Your care plan may involve:
- educating yourself on what an ITP diagnosis means for you
- regularly seeing your hematologist or primary provider for blood testing to track your platelet levels
- taking medicine if your doctor deems it necessary
- understanding which medications and supplements to avoid
- talking to your doctor about when to seek emergency care.
Small changes that make things easier
Adapting to ITP may take some time, but there are small things you can do each day to make things easier.
Build self-care into your routine
Developing doable self-care habits can increase your confidence and boost your quality of life. Self-care can also help combat stress, which can have a negative impact on health.
Some self-care activities you could try include:
- meditation
- journaling
- exploring nature
- yoga.
Stock your bleeding preparedness kit
Having essentials like bandages, pads, or nosebleed supplies on hand can give you peace of mind. Keep a kit in your car, bag, and at your workplace. Your doctor may also suggest keeping certain medications nearby that reduce bleeding risk.
Modify your workouts
If you’re used to playing higher-risk contact sports, it might be time to integrate some gentler activities into the mix to minimize injury or bleeding risk, including:
- swimming
- stationary cycling
- yoga
- walking.
Track your symptoms
Keeping track of your symptoms in a journal or using a symptom-tracking app can help you stay ahead of potential flare-ups, notice patterns in your symptoms, and keep your doctor updated.
Creating a daily routine
Life with ITP can sometimes feel like a roller coaster, but your day-to-day doesn’t have to. By creating a daily routine, you’ll prioritize the things that help you feel your best. Here are some ways to do that:
- Whether it’s walking, gentle yoga, or stretching, exercise can help improve your quality of life, so try to incorporate some movement into your daily routine.
- Be sure to take your medicine and track your symptoms, as keeping a symptom and medication diary — and taking your medicine as prescribed — can help you manage your ITP in the long term.
- People with ITP have been shown to experience sleeping issues, so try to create a sleep routine that includes avoiding things like caffeine, alcohol, bright lights, or lots of food before bed.
Emotional support
ITP can have an impact on school, work, relationships, and day-to-day life. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Having a doctor you trust is a great first step — but having a daily ITP support system you can turn to, especially during flare-ups, can help lighten the load.
You can find support through friends, family, and ITP patient communities and support groups. These groups can validate your experiences, share tips and insights, and generally make things feel less lonely.
Consider also reaching out to a mental health professional. Because ITP can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, working with a qualified mental health practitioner to address any psychological or psychiatric needs can help improve your quality of life.
Living well with ITP is possible with the right care, daily habits, and emotional support. While the condition can be unpredictable at times, small, intentional choices can make a big difference. You’re not alone — and with the right tools, you can take charge of your health and your life.
Bleeding Disorders News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
