Platelet Function Disorder

An acquired platelet function disorder refers to an abnormality in the clotting ability of the platelets that develops sometime after birth. Platelets are a type of cell found in the blood that help the blood to clot. So when a person cuts themself blood must clot, or turn solid, to stop the bleeding. When platelets lose their ability to function, for any reason, abnormal bleeding and bruising may occur.

An acquired platelet function disorder may cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur they can include:

abnormally heavy bleeding from cuts or other injuries
easy bruising
nosebleeds
petechiae - small red dots on the skin that signal tiny areas of bleeding

About us

Noah has recently been diagnosed with a rare blood condition called Platelet Function Disorder… the number of platelets in his blood are very low and do not work correctly, so even a minor bump may lead to excessive bruising. If he is unlucky enough to cut himself he can bleed for an excessively long time and he often requires urgent attention and treatment.

Noah was finally diagnosed after travelling down a long road of assessments and tests. Initially I was dismissed by a number of GPs as an overprotective Mum, before one GP took me seriously and sent Noah to hospital for immediate tests. After months of these, he was finally referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where they diagnosed him with this rare disorder.

Throughout this period I have been accused of physically abusing my son… and still have to endure the looks that indicate people believe my son is not being well looked after.

This is one of the reasons I have set up this site and hope to set up a charity / foundation in the future, to share the experiences and information I have had… with other parents and children with the same or similar disorders, so they will not have to go through what my family has!

The reason I have named the site 'funny blood' is because this is how I describe the condition to my daughter and other children who take an interest in Noah and his bruises or his helmet. Education of the facts about Noah's blood condition is very important… and Noah's nursery have been fantastic in helping me educate both children, staff and other interested parents in 'what's wrong with Noah'.