A Perth mother was diagnosed with ITP after black spots were discovered in her mouth

A Perth mum faces an uncertain future after she developed a rare autoimmune disease, which was discovered when black spots started appearing in her mouth.

The spots turned into stains and spread across Claire Flowers’ body before she was rushed to hospital on May 30, feeling unwell.

Claire, 39, underwent tests which revealed internal bleeding and was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Get to know the news with the 7NEWS app: download today

People with ITP produce antibodies that attack and destroy the platelets responsible for blood clotting, making them susceptible to bruising and bleeding.

The fatigue Claire is now suffering from is another common symptom.

The black spots were the first sign that something was wrong with Claire Flowers. Loan: Tamara’s flowers

Her sister Tamara claimed that ITP “abandoned” the busy mother of three, leaving her different than usual.

Claire spent more than two weeks in hospital before being discharged, armed with a cocktail of drugs including steroids and oral chemotherapy.

He also requires regular tests to monitor his platelet count, which was well below the normal range when he was admitted to hospital.

“She was terrified of going home. She didn’t want to go to sleep because she was afraid she wouldn’t wake up,” Tamara told 7NEWS.com.au.

The disorder has made Claire’s daily life a “huge threat to her life” because one small bump or fall can “cause massive internal bleeding,” Tamara said.

She said the disease was “lifelong” and forced her sister to give up her beloved job as a teacher of disabled children.

“She can’t work. She loves her job. I think that’s what breaks me the most,” Tamara said.

Even a minor impact can cause Claire Flowers to bruise and bleed. Loan: Tamara’s flowers

Tamara Flowers (pictured right) says ITP has turned her sister’s life upside down. Loan: Tamara’s flowers

Even the ride home became a challenge as Claire had to take the bumps and curves very slowly to avoid bruises or worse.

“I was so afraid I would break it,” Tamara said of one recent trip home.

The disorder disrupted Claire’s plans for a 40th birthday party in the UK and Paris.

The family moved in to help the bedridden mother work to stabilize her condition and get her life back on track.

Tamara has launched a fundraiser to help Claire survive while she learns to cope with the disease.

“This lasts for the rest of her life and I am asking all of you to help finance her living expenses, such as food for the children at home and the bills she will have to pay while she is still in the hospital and no longer able to work,” Tamara said .

“Let’s help Claire get ahead for a while.”