Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP

What should you do if an ITP emergency happens? While critical bleeding is rare, knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can make all the difference. In this episode, renowned hematologist Dr. Donald Arnold discusses the new Emergency Management Guidelines for ITP, explains when a trip to the emergency room is truly necessary, and clears up common misconceptions about emergency treatment. Whe...

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Barbara Pruitt talks with hematologist Dr. Camila Masias about how ITP is diagnosed and why it’s considered a “diagnosis of exclusion.” They discuss the tests doctors use to rule out other causes of low platelets, why certain procedures like bone marrow biopsies are not always necessary, and how updated clinical guidelines are helping imp...

In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month, this episode explores the important connection between lupus and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), two autoimmune conditions that can sometimes overlap. Host Barbara Pruitt is joined by guests Cathy Aldama and Beth Siegelbaum, who share their personal journeys to diagnosis, the challenges of managing both conditions, and how their experiences have evolved over...

If treating pediatric ITP can sometimes feel like trial and error, this episode helps explain why—and what’s being done to change that. Host Barbara Pruitt talks with Dr. Kristin Shimano about the growing role of collaboration in advancing research, improving treatment decisions, and focusing not just on platelet counts, but on quality of life for patients. You’ll get an inside look at how special...

When a small shaving cut wouldn’t stop bleeding, Michael Barden had no idea it would lead to a life-changing diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and later, Evans syndrome. In this powerful episode, Michael shares the shocking moment police were sent to his home because his platelet count had dropped to 3,000, multiple extended hospital stays, ICU admissions, transfusions, and the emotional...

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt is joined by PDSA leaders Peter Pruitt and Derek Zimmerman for a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization is run and why strong leadership matters to patients. The conversation explores what a nonprofit board of directors actually does, how PDSA has grown into a trusted advocate for the ITP community, and how liv...

This episode dives into one of the most common—and most confusing—questions people with ITP ask: Why do I have it, and could it be inherited? Dr. Michele Lambert, a leading pediatric hematologist and expert in platelet disorders, breaks down the difference between inherited thrombocytopenia and immune-mediated ITP in clear, relatable terms. She explains how genetics, immune system “confusion,” fam...

In this episode, Barbara Pruitt sits down with pediatric hematologist Dr. Rachael Grace to take the mystery out of clinical trials for ITP. Dr. Grace explains what clinical trials are, how they differ from standard treatment, and why both research studies and clinical trials play a crucial role in improving care. They discuss when a clinical trial might be a good option; common concerns patients h...

In this inspiring episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, meet Wyatt Critchfield, a ninth-grade ITP warrior, and his mom, Brittany, as they share how a love for cars turned into a powerful fundraiser for the Platelet Disorder Support Association. From organizing their first car show and raising $1,000, to spreading awareness in their community and connecting with others living with blo...

In this inspiring episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. Kristin Hunt shares her journey from being diagnosed with ITP at just 12 years old to becoming a pediatric immunologist. She reflects on the challenges of growing up with a rare bleeding disorder, the role of PDSA in shaping her outlook, and how her experiences as a patient continue to influence the way she cares for childre...

In this special episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we celebrate ITP Awareness Month with PDSA President & CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Melissa Hilsabeck. They share why September is such an important time for the ITP community, from lighting monuments purple around the world to uniting patients and families through events, stories, and s...

In this episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Dr. Craig Kessler, a leading hematology expert, to discuss how immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) affects patients as they age. From the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating older adults, to managing fatigue, preventing falls, maintaining cognitive health, and staying up to date on vaccines, Dr. Kessl...

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. James  Bussel, Professor Emeritus at Cornell and a leading expert in immune  thrombocytopenia (ITP), joins host Barbara Pruitt for a timely and  thoughtful conversation about vaccines and their relationship to ITP.  From breaking down how vaccines can affect platelet counts to addressing  concerns about relaps...

U.S. insurance coverage can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself. In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP , we sit down with Becky Burns, Chief Operating Officer of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute, to unpack the complicated world of U.S. insurance and access to care. Becky shares real-life scenarios, breaks down confusing terms like prior authorizations a...

What does it mean to grow older with ITP and how do you adapt when your body no longer bounces back like it used to? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt is joined by fellow seniors Lib Elder and Rand Walker for an honest, insightful, and often humorous conversation about aging with immune thrombocytopenia. From treatment changes and brain bleeds to fall...

Pregnancy with ITP can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP , two leading experts—Dr. Terry Gernsheimer and Dr. Edith Cheng—share what women with ITP need to know before, during, and after pregnancy. From coordinating care between hematologists and obstetricians to understanding delivery options and postpartum concerns, this conver...

If you're parenting a toddler or preschooler with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), this episode is for you. Pediatric hematologist Dr. Michael Tarantino joins us to share practical advice on keeping young children with low platelets safe without taking away their childhood. From babyproofing tips and daycare questions to navigating sports, tantrums, and emotional support, Dr. Tarantino offers expert...

Needle sticks are a frustrating reality for people living with ITP—but what if there were ways to make the experience less painful and more successful the first time around? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken , host Barbara Pruitt speaks with vascular access RN Jeremy Johnson, who shares expert tips on how to make blood draws and IVs easier, from using ultrasound guidance to knowing your be...

Being a teenager isn't easy. And being diagnosed with ITP can make it even more overwhelming. In this episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP , Dr. Michael Tarantino, a leading expert in bleeding disorders, shares what families need to know about diagnosing and managing ITP in teens. From early warning signs to navigating sports, treatment options, school support, and the emotional side...

In this inspiring episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP , Tracey Parker shares her deeply personal journey from diagnosis to empowerment. After facing multiple treatment challenges and a rollercoaster of platelet counts, Tracey found strength in community, advocacy, and becoming her own best health advocate. Hear how support from friends, persistence in the face of setbacks, and disco...

In this heartfelt episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP , host Barbara Pruitt talks with two inspiring guests—Josh Kelly, a teenager currently living with ITP, and Melissa Hilsabeck, who was diagnosed with ITP as a teen and now works with the PDSA. Together, they share their personal journeys through diagnosis, treatment, school, sports, and the emotional ups and downs of managing a r...

Living with ITP comes with unique challenges, from managing unexpected nosebleeds to staying prepared for emergencies. In this episode of Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP , host and longtime ITP patient Barbara Pruitt shares her personal experiences and practical strategies for handling everyday situations with confidence. In recognition of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, she...

In this episode of PDSA’s podcast, Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP, Caroline Kruse, President and CEO of the Platelet Disorder Support Association, interviews Pam Gavin, CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). They discuss the challenges and triumphs of living with rare diseases, focusing on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Pam shares her personal connection to the rare d...

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP , host Barbara Pruitt dives into the critical role of advocacy in making immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) a recognized priority in Washington. Joined by PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse and Government Relations Consultant Jim Romano, they discuss the ongoing fight for federal funding, the importance of patient voices in policy change, an...

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP , host Barbara Pruitt is joined by PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Research and Canadian Advocacy Jennifer DiRaimo to share exclusive insights from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference. They discuss the latest breakthroughs in ITP research, including promising new treatments, the role of the gut microbi...