Beyond the Count

ITP is often called an “invisible illness”, and for many patients, the hardest battles are the ones no one else can see. In this episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle speaks with longtime volunteer and ITP patient, Stassi Austin, about the emotional and physical realities that rarely show on the outside.Together, they explore what it feels like to hear “But you don’t look sick,” the exhaustion of constantly explaining a rare disease, and the hidden symptoms that shape daily life, from fatigue and bruising to anxiety, cognitive fog, and the mental load of always being on alert.Stassi shares her lived experience with honesty and humour, offering insight into the invisible challenges many patients face and the pressure to appear “fine” even when everything hurts.This episode is a reminder that invisible does not mean imaginary, and that every person living with ITP deserves to be believed, supported, and understood.Keywords: ITP, invisible illness, chronic illness, fatigue, bruising, mental health, rare disease, patient stories, emotional wellbeing, autoimmune diseaseSupport the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Highlights, Insights and the Voices Shaping Our Future The 2026 ITP Australia & New Zealand Patient Conference brought together clinicians, researchers, nurses, and patients for a powerful day of learning, connection, and community. In this special highlights episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle walks you through the most impactful moments from the event — including breakthroughs in platelet function research, new insights into treatment side effects and risk, adolescent ITP challenges, women’s health and menopause, shared decision‑making, and myth‑busting with leading haematologists.Featuring direct quotes from presenters including Professor Elizabeth Gardiner, Dr Danny Hsu, Dr Melanie Jackson, Dr Sara Ng, Associate Professor Phil Choi, and Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Dring, this episode brings the conference to life for anyone who couldn’t attend. Whether you’re a patient, carer, or healthcare professional, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of ITP care.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

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.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

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 showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

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 showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

A global overview of new treatments, real-world data and patient-centred research.  ASH 2025 delivered some of the most exciting developments the ITP community has seen in years. In this special highlights episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle takes you inside the world’s largest haematology conference to explore the research, conversations and global collaboration shaping the future of ITP care.Across four days in Orlando, more than 30,000 experts gathered to share new discoveries. Danielle breaks down the key updates, including early CAR T‑cell therapy results, new insights into BTK inhibitors like Rilzabrutinib, important data on women’s health and fatigue, and the late‑breaking VAYHIT2 trial investigating ianalumab with eltrombopag.You’ll also hear short audio insights from global ITP leaders — Associate Professor Phil Choi, Professor Dr Nichola Cooper, Dr Michele Lambert and Taylor Bowles from the PDSA — offering their perspectives on the most meaningful research and posters presented this year.This episode also highlights why patient organisations like ITPANZ attend international conferences: to advocate for the patient voice, build global partnerships and bring the latest knowledge home to Australia and New Zealand.Whether you are newly diagnosed or simply curious about what is coming next, this episode offers a clear and hopeful look at the breakthroughs emerging in ITP research.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Clear answers on diagnosis, symptoms, and living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)Understanding Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days after diagnosis. In this episode of Beyond the Count, Consultant Haematologist Dr Sara Ng joins Danielle to break down the essentials of ITP in simple, reassuring language.Together, they explore what platelets do, why the immune system sometimes targets them, and how doctors diagnose ITP through a process of exclusion. Sara explains the differences between acute, persistent, and chronic ITP, the symptoms patients may notice, and how fatigue and brain fog fit into the picture.They also discuss the wide range of experiences people have with ITP, why platelet counts alone never tell the full story, and how to understand the difference between symptoms of the condition and side effects of treatment.Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to better understand ITP, this episode offers practical insights, compassionate guidance, and the foundational knowledge every patient should have.In this episode of Beyond the Count, we break down what ITP is, how it’s diagnosed, and what it means for everyday life.Read more about the I-WISh ResultsReview the ITP Treatment Information SheetsSearch ITP Clinical Trials hereSupport the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Deciding when — or whether — to treat a child with ITP can feel overwhelming for families. In this episode of Beyond the Count, Associate Professor Dr Tina Carter, Paediatric Haematologist at Perth Children’s Hospital, brings more than 30 years of experience to help parents understand how clinicians make these decisions.Tina explains why ITP is always a diagnosis of exclusion, what doctors look for during assessment, and how factors like bleeding, age, symptoms, and family anxiety influence treatment choices. She walks us through first‑line options such as steroids and IVIG, the realities of side effects, and when second‑line therapies may be considered for children with persistent or chronic ITP.This episode offers clear, compassionate guidance for parents navigating a new diagnosis — with practical insights, reassurance, and a reminder that most children recover well, often without treatment.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Medical advisors play a crucial role in rare disease care, ensuring patients are not only treated but truly understood.In this episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle speaks with Dr Danny Hsu, Consultant Haematologist at Liverpool Hospital and Medical Advisor to ITP Australia and New Zealand. Danny explains how medical advisors help shape treatment guidelines, support patient organisations, and translate complex medical information into clear, practical language for families.The conversation highlights how advisors strengthen trust between patients and clinicians, contribute to advocacy and education, and provide reassurance that care is guided by experts. This episode offers insight into the human side of expertise and why medical advisors are such an important part of the ITP community.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

When a toddler is diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), everyday bumps and bruises can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle speaks with Associate Professor Dr Chris Barnes, Paediatric Haematologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Medical Advisor to ITP Australia and New Zealand. Together, they explore how ITP presents in children under five, why spontaneous remission is common, and what parents should watch for when it comes to bleeding and head knocks.The conversation also covers practical tips for balancing safety with letting kids be kids, preparing daycare and playgroup staff with the correct information, and knowing when to worry versus when to relax. This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and expert guidance to help families navigate the early months of ITP with confidence.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Hearing the words “your child has ITP” can feel overwhelming and leave parents with more questions than answers. In this episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle sits down with Dr Melanie Jackson, Paediatric Haematologist at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and Medical Advisor to ITP Australia and New Zealand, to unpack what a new diagnosis really means.Together, they explore the basics of Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), what parents can expect in the first few weeks, and why treatment isn’t always the immediate next step. Dr Jackson also shares practical advice on how to talk to children about their diagnosis in ways that build trust and reassurance, while addressing common feelings of guilt and uncertainty.This conversation is designed to give families clarity, confidence, and comfort as they navigate the early days of paediatric ITP.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In this episode of Beyond the Count, we’re joined by Caroline Kruse, President and CEO of PDSA and Co-founder and Chair of the International ITP Alliance. Caroline shares how the Alliance began, why global collaboration matters in rare diseases, and how bringing together patient organisations from around the world is helping to raise awareness, share resources and strengthen support for people with ITP everywhere.We also examine some of the Alliance’s major milestones to date, including ITP Awareness Week, and how resource sharing and collaboration have helped drive change in over 30 countries worldwide.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

When treatments stopped working, Danielle sought a second opinion. It gave her clarity, confidence, and a new way forward.Getting diagnosed during a pandemic wasn’t easy, but ITP Warrior @The.No.Spleen.Queen, Danielle Hodges, knew something didn’t feel right.In this episode, she walks us through why she decided to get a second opinion on her ITP diagnosis, what changed as a result, and why trusting your instincts as a patient matters. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan, this one’s for you.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In the final part of our four-part Fuelling Your Health series, Dr Phil Choi explores how food and supplements may help manage some of the more common side effects linked to ITP and its treatments.From fatigue and iron deficiency to digestive issues and steroid-related symptoms, many people experience side effects that impact daily life. This episode looks at how nutrition can support recovery, ease discomfort and improve overall wellbeing during treatment.Dr Choi shares evidence-based strategies and simple tips drawn from both clinical research and real-world experience.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

Behind the scenes of a project giving teenagers a voice in their ITP journey.Being diagnosed with ITP as a teenager can feel overwhelming, and finding the right information at the right time makes a big difference. In this episode, Danielle speaks with Professor Nichola Cooper, Dr Alice Hart, and Mervyn Morgan about ITP and Me: A Teen Guide to Living with ITP.They share how the book was developed with teens, for teens, why age-appropriate resources matter, and how hearing directly from young people has helped shape a resource that is both practical and reassuring. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or part of a healthcare team, this conversation highlights the impact of collaboration and the importance of giving young people a voice in their care.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In Part 3 of our four-part Fuelling Your Health series, Dr Phil Choi helps unpack how the immune system, gut health and inflammation are all connected in the context of ITP.ITP is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system is mistakenly targeting platelets. While no single food can reset or repair immune function, some dietary approaches may help reduce inflammation and support immune balance over time.We explore emerging links between gut health and autoimmunity, the role of anti-inflammatory nutrients, and how to make food choices that support your overall wellbeing.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In this episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle is joined by Barbara Lovrencic, ITP patient advocate, President of AIPIT (Italy’s ITP patient organisation), and Vice Chair of the International ITP Alliance.Together, they explore the real-world impact of shared decision making, what it looks like when it works well, and how it can go wrong when patients feel unheard. Barbara shares her early experiences of being diagnosed as a child and how the lack of information and involvement shaped her journey. Danielle reflects on how things are improving, why being informed makes all the difference, and the power of open, honest communication between patients and clinicians.Whether you’re a patient, carer or health professional, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand how collaboration leads to better outcomes and better care.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In Part 2 of our four-part Fuelling Your Health series, Dr Phil Choi returns to explore how food and nutrition may help support your platelets' ability to function, not just how many you have.Bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of ITP, but what you eat might play a small supporting role in how well your platelets work. Dr Choi unpacks the role of nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K, and explains how certain foods and supplements - such as alcohol, garlic, or fish oil - can interfere with normal clotting.This episode is full of practical insights to help you make informed choices about what ends up on your plate.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In this episode, we kick off Part 1 of our four-part series, Fuelling Your Health, with Dr Phil Choi. This series explores how diet, supplements and lifestyle choices may support people living with ITP.Today’s focus is on increasing platelet production. While there’s no official “ITP diet,” certain nutrients may support your bone marrow and overall health, and could play a role in encouraging platelet growth.Dr Phil Choi shares evidence-informed insights, clears up common myths, and offers practical tips on what to consider if you're looking at food or supplements as part of your approach to managing ITP.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

When your platelet counts are all over the place, your emotions can be too. In this episode, we’re joined by @The.No.Spleen.Queen, Danielle Hodges, who shares her honest experience of managing her mental and emotional health during the most unstable periods of her ITP journey. From anxiety and burnout to building routines and asking for help, this conversation is all about taking care of your whole self, not just your platelet counts.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In this episode, we speak with Stassi Austin, who has lived with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) since her teenage years. From school challenges to navigating relationships and work and finding her voice as a patient, Stassi shares what it’s been like growing up with a chronic, unpredictable condition. Her story reflects the resilience, confusion, and eventual confidence many people with ITP experience as they move through life stages. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with ITP for years, this conversation offers connection and insight. Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]

In this first episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle is joined by Haematologist Dr Rob Bird to tackle some of the most common questions asked by people living with ITP.From dental visits and diet myths to long-haul travel, fatigue and exercise, this episode is packed with clear, practical advice grounded in clinical experience. Dr Bird shares why bleeding gums aren’t always caused by low platelets, how to prepare for travel, and what types of exercise are safe for people with ITP. He also busts a few common misconceptions and highlights the importance of checking in with your haematologist before making changes to your routine.Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just looking for everyday guidance, this is a great place to start.Support the showThanks for listening to Beyond the CountFor more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.📱 Follow us on social media:Instagram: @ITP_ANZFacebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New ZealandYouTube: @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 [email protected]