Nervous here!

Hi everyone. And thank God for this forum!

I was diagnosed with ITP 6 months ago after my annual physical. Started out with a count at 120,000 so the doc got concerned and sent me to a hematologist and as of now, I am down to 91K. Am going to see a new hema at the end of this month because we moved.

Anyway, I kept being told by the first hema that the sure symptom is petechai around the ankles. I had a little and it went away. But what's going on as of today is kind of scary. Highly personal but I figure we're all grown ups here.

I went for a walk and after I got back felt like I had some wetness in my cheeks (lower cheeks) and went to the bathroom, wiped, and there was bright red blood! And not just a teeny bit but quite a bit. Though I was able to wipe it away.

I do have a background of fissures down there but they've not been active in years.

This isn't the first time I've had bleeding. Since the diagnosis I've had a little here and there but nothing like what happened today.

So here's my question: is petechai the main symptom? Or could bleeding from "down there" be a symptom without the petechai?

Also, I don't bleed like they talk about. Nothing from gums and I coagulate after a cut quite well. I'm on xarelto.

Not asking you all to be doctors, just wondering if this could be a symptom even if i don't have other symptoms.

Thanks!

When was your last count? It would be very odd to see any symptoms with a count of 91. Usually, most see petechiae, bruises and bleeding when counts are under 30k, some even lower than that.

Counts can drop fast sometimes so unless yours dropped, it wouldn't be ITP related.

LeahV wrote: Anyway, I kept being told by the first hema that the sure symptom is petechai around the ankles.

My petechiae started on my belly, so I'm not sure about your hematologist's remark.

Seeing that you are concerned about the bleeding you have noticed why not give the new hematologist or your PCP a call to let them know what is going on and that you are worried.

Leah,

You mention taking Xarelto. Was that prescribed for the ITP (I sure hope not)? Or do you have a history of DVT or other issues where a blood thinner is necessary?

I only ask because the Xarelto could be causing your bleeding. My father has been on Xarelto for years due to bilateral DVTs. One of the possible serious side effects of Xarelto is unexplained bleeding, and there have been reports of rectal bleeding.

If your platelet count is above 30, I doubt the bleeding is related to ITP. I highly suspect it is related to the Xarelto. Either way, I'd notify your doctor.

~Lauren

Laur - I didn't even notice that. Good catch! Yep, I'd suspect the blood thinner.