Here is my story so far up to finally having a diagnosis and preparing for treatment, as best as I can remember.
In March 2021, my platelet count came back low from blood work for a health risk assessment. All other test results were within normal range. I followed up with my primary care physician and was referred to a hematologist, Dr. Deshpande, and we monitored my platelets as they continued to drop. My platelet counts briefly stabilized during May 2021, but a month later dropped further and I became dependent on platelet transfusions in August 2021. At this point my red blood cell counts were consistently low as well and Dr. Deshpande suspected ITP. We tried the usual treatments for ITP with no results. After 2 bone marrow biopsies in August 2021, Dr. Deshpande no longer suspected ITP and suspected we were seeing the beginning of a bone marrow failure. She referred me to another hematologist that also specialized in bone marrow disorders, Dr. Chojecki.
Dr. Chojecki ordered another bone marrow biopsy at the end of September 2021. After receiving the results and still not having a clear diagnosis, Dr. Chojecki referred me to Dr. Powell for a second opinion. Dr. Powell and his team reviewed my file and also found it inconclusive. Dr. Chojecki ordered a 4th bone marrow at the end of November 2021.
Finally on December 16, 2021, Dr. Chojecki felt he had enough evidence to support a diagnosis of aplastic anemia with the presence of trisomy 6 and we could begin preparing to treat with a bone marrow transplant.
After 9 long months, I was able to end 2021 with a diagnosis and treatment plan. I've started 2022 with tests to prepare for bone marrow transplant, including a 5th bone marrow biopsy on January 10th. I still require weekly platelet transfusions and it seems I have started needing red blood cell transfusions weekly as well. I had continued working through all of this up until January 10th, when I started short term disability. I am currently scheduled for trifusion insertion on January 25th and admission to the transplant wing on January 26th.
