Bleeding Problems
Take these steps:
Protect yourself.
- Use an electric shaver, not a razor.
- Be careful when using s ors, knives, or other sharp objects.
- Wear shoes all the time, to protect your feet.
- Blow your nose gently.
- Brush your teeth with a very soft toothbrush.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have hard bowel movements or feel constipated.
Don't do things that could make it easier to bleed.
- Don't use dental floss or toothpicks.
- Don't pick at pimples or scabs.
- Don't play rough sports.
- Don't put anything in your rectum, not even a thermometer or medicine.
- Don't use tampons. Use pads.
If you start to bleed: Press down firmly on the area with a clean cloth. Keep pressing until the bleeding stops.
If you bruise: Put ice on the area for about 20 minutes.
Call your doctor or nurse if you have any of these changes:
Skin changes
- Bruises
- Tiny, red, pinpoint spots on your skin
Head or vision changes
- Bad headaches
- Changes in how well you see
- Feeling confused or very sleepy
Bleeding
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after a few minutes
- Bleeding from your mouth or nose
- Bleeding from your vagina when you are not having your period (menstruation)
- Bleeding during your period that is heavier or lasts longer than normal
Changes when you go to the bathroom
- Blood in your urine. The urine will have a red or pink color to it.
- Black or bloody stools
Questions to ask your doctor or nurse: | ||
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"My nurse said that chemotherapy could make it easier for me to bruise and bleed. He told me what to call him about, such as red, pinpoint spots."