194 bags and counting...
7 October 2024
Yeah you read that right! 194 bags of plasma received so far! This has been spread across the last 14 days ive spent in Waikato Hospital. This involves me being hooked up to a machine for 3 hours a day, it cycles my blood out, removes my bad plasma and then returns my blood with good plasma which has been very generously donated by the plasma donors of NZ.
My current platelet count is sitting at 98, this has come up from 26 and we are aiming for a magic number of 150 before trying to wein me off the daily plasma exchanges, and see if my body will hold these numbers on their own.
I also wanted to take to opportunity to share what TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura is...
My body has an issue producing an enzyme called AdamsTS13, this is responsible for keeping a protein in our blood undercontrol. This protein causes blood clots. Meaning my body is making lots of blood clots that it shouldn't and all my platelets are being clumped together. The risk with this is ending up with blood clots in my important organs, or bleeding out due to not having enough available platlets to form clots where I actually need them.
Treatment for this is plasma exchanges to filter out that protein as well as replenish my platelets, A weekly infusion of a drug called Rituximab to surpress my immune system and high dose of steriods.
Thank you so much for all the support! I still have atleast another week in Waikato hospital but am happy to answer any questions ❤️
Love,
Megan
