A moment of fear, a rush of memories, and the truth about living with ITP — even on the “good” days.

A single unexplained bruise can stop you in your tracks — no matter how long you’ve been living with ITP. In this deeply personal episode, Danielle shares the story of a large bruise she discovered while visiting her family overseas, and the intense 30-minute spiral that followed.

From the instant fight‑or‑flight response to the familiar rush of “What’s my platelet count?” thinking, she opens up about the emotional conditioning that begins on day one of diagnosis and never fully disappears.

Through raw honesty and gentle reflection, Danielle explores why these reactions are so normal for people living with ITP, how the nervous system remembers past fear even when the present is safe, and what helped her ground herself before realising the bruise had a simple, non-ITP cause.

This episode is a reminder that even the most experienced, stable, and knowledgeable patients still have moments of doubt — and that none of us ever have to face them alone.

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Thanks for listening to Beyond the Count

For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.

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LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New Zealand
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Do you have feedback or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@itpaustralia.org.au

Connor and his mum, Kim, share their story of bruises, hospital visits and finding confidence again after an ITP diagnosis.

Being diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) as a child can be confusing, frightening and life‑changing — not just for kids, but for their parents too. In this episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle sits down with Connor and his mum Kim to share their honest, heartfelt story of what those early days were really like.

Connor talks about the first signs that something wasn’t right — unusual bruises during footy, a strange rash on his shoulders, and the moment a small knock caused his tongue to turn black. He describes the fear and confusion of hospital visits, blood tests and hearing the words “you have ITP” for the first time.

Kim offers the parent perspective, reflecting on the instinct that something was wrong, the anxiety of waiting for answers, and the challenge of trying to keep life normal while navigating restrictions, school changes and the emotional toll on the whole family.

Together, they share how ITP affected Connor’s daily life — from missing sport and feeling isolated at school to dealing with fatigue and the frustration of not being able to do the things he loved. They also talk about the turning point that came with starting treatment, the support they received from teachers and the ITP community, and how life slowly opened back up again.

This episode is full of honesty, courage and hope. It reminds kids that it’s okay to feel scared or confused, and it reassures parents that their instincts, questions and advocacy truly matter. Most importantly, it shows that with the right support, kids with ITP can still live active, joyful and confident lives.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Beyond the Count

For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.

📱 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @ITP_ANZ
Facebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ
LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New Zealand
YouTube: @ITPANZ

🎧 Subscribe to Beyond the Count on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Do you have feedback or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@itpaustralia.org.au

Haematology nurses are often the steady voice, the calm presence and the guiding hand that patients rely on throughout their ITP journey. In this episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle is joined by Haematology Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Dring, who works across the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, to shine a light on the essential role nurses play in ITP care.

Rebecca shares what it’s really like to support patients beyond the platelet count — from helping families understand complex information in simple terms to offering reassurance during flare‑ups, treatment changes or moments of uncertainty. She explains how nurses bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, advocate for shared decision‑making, and create a safe space where people feel heard, understood and supported.

Through real‑world examples and heartfelt reflections, this episode highlights the compassion, communication and practical guidance that nurses bring to every appointment, phone call and treatment day. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with ITP for years, this conversation offers insight into the vital partnership between nurses and the ITP community — and why their role is so central to patient wellbeing.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Beyond the Count

For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.

📱 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @ITP_ANZ
Facebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ
LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New Zealand
YouTube: @ITPANZ

🎧 Subscribe to Beyond the Count on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Do you have feedback or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@itpaustralia.org.au