Well-being
Heartaches and Miracles by Greta Burroughs
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Greta Burroughs' insightful book about her battle with ITP is both heart-rending and informative. Her story is very consoling to those of us who face the rigors and "unknowns" of ITP on a daily basis. - beowulf64
“But I don’t feel sick. Why do I have to stay here in the hospital?” I stubbornly asked the emergency room doctor, and he replied in an exasperated voice, “Because you are one sick chick. Your platelets are down to 2000. You are going upstairs to PCU, and you are going to stay there until I say you can go home.” April 2005 – the beginning of my ITP journey. I had no idea which way was up. My body had started doing some very weird things for some unknown reason, and no one could tell me why. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune blood disorder called ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia). For some unknown reason, my immune system had begun to destroy the platelets in my bloodstream, therefore preventing my blood from clotting properly. I found out there were no cures for ITP, but there were treatments. Since then, I have researched ITP and spoken with many people who also suffer from this chronic blood disease. As a result, I’ve learned a lot about platelets, IVIGs, CBC’s, corticosteroids, relapses, and other factors that will continue to play a significant role in my well-being for the rest of my life. I kept a journal chronicling my experiences, detailing the treatments along with the mental, emotional, and psychological highs and lows associated with the successes and failures. Then, in 2010, I combined all that information into a book to share it with others who are also fighting this illness. |
There have been many tremendous changes since the first edition of Heartaches and Miracles was published. Advances in medications, treatments, and overall approaches to combating ITP have necessitated an updated 2022 version of my book. I’m sure this edition will be outdated in a few years. However, that’s good news – there will be more progress to write about!
Most of my memoir remains the same, though. It’s a combination of autobiography, research information, and pep talk for anyone suffering from ITP or for family members and friends who want to understand the roller coaster ride of steroids and other types of medications and treatments. It can be a hard road filled with relapses and disappointments, but with a positive attitude and support from friends and family, there is hope.
Today, everyone has access to an outstanding ITP community. I’m so proud to be a part of this family and to be able to participate in support groups, conferences, and events. So take advantage of all you have available. Bookmark PDSA or the ITP Support Association and remember, you are not alone.
Most of my memoir remains the same, though. It’s a combination of autobiography, research information, and pep talk for anyone suffering from ITP or for family members and friends who want to understand the roller coaster ride of steroids and other types of medications and treatments. It can be a hard road filled with relapses and disappointments, but with a positive attitude and support from friends and family, there is hope.
Today, everyone has access to an outstanding ITP community. I’m so proud to be a part of this family and to be able to participate in support groups, conferences, and events. So take advantage of all you have available. Bookmark PDSA or the ITP Support Association and remember, you are not alone.
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ITP no longer controls our lives.
With support from fellow ITPers, we are in charge! I Have ITP. It Does Not Have Me! |
The Journey of a Caregiver by Dannye Williamsen
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Caregiving is an experience that is difficult to understand unless you’ve done it yourself. There are so many emotions swirling around you all the time, and the stress of it makes it difficult to cope at times.
I was a caregiver for my husband for twelve years. I loved him dearly, but I was always wracked with doubts and fears about whether I was making the best choices for him or whether I was missing something crucial. I have always written poems or free verse as an outlet for intense emotions. It is and was cathartic, but only as long as I never shied away from feelings even if they didn’t seem so nice. The journey of a caregiver is a lesson in love, forgiveness, compassion. These writings are personal, but I have shared them with others in online caregiver support groups, and they usually relate as you can see from the comments below. “You are so incredibly thoughtful. Your writing is beautifully done and much needed. Thank you so much!!!!” – J. Kline “Words cannot express my appreciation for your sharing these beautiful thoughts written from your heart. I will treasure them.” – J. Rinaldi Because there is so much pain associated with caregiving and often regrets once your loved one has passed, I have published this eBook for others who are on this journey. |
