Rectal Bleeding

Is it normal for people with ITP to have rectal bleeding and nose bleeds? and is it anything to worry about?

Bleeding is possible if counts are low. Whether or not you need to worry depends on how much bleeding is going on. A little blood, no. A lot of blood, yes. It's definitely something to keep an eye on.

Thank you,Sandi. I do not have ITP but my father does and I think it scares me more than it does him.He was just diagnosed with ITP about a month ago.I had never heard of this before and I am still in shock.It is very calming to me to have someone to talk to about it.Thank you so very much you are a blessing.

I think you should let the doctor know about the rectal bleeding right away. That sort of bleeding, it might be hard to tell if there is a lot or a little bleeding going on just from what you are seeing.

My dad, who did NOT have ITP, died from bleeding out from an intestinal ulcer. By the time it started bleeding heavily it was too late. Not to freak you out, but I think the doctor should be informed for that type of bleeding.
Erica

That's so sad, Erica. Did he know that he had the ulcer?

No we didn't know he had the ulcer. It was most likely related to the medications he was taking for multiple myeloma, could even have been the steroids. There were some symptoms, in hindsight.
Erica

Those medications can do that. I worry about it myself having been on them for so long. Very scary.

Recently had a bowel check (as in 'samples' as specialist won't do colonoscopy with low platelet count). Results were 2 -, 1 + for blood so have to do it again in 6 months. Dr. thinks it is ITP related. With family bowel cancer history I am a bit concerned. Hope she's right.
mj

Tri...runner, what are your dad's counts? And what meds is he on?

mj with your family history why the 6 month wait to repeat the test? I would want the test done sooner - to me that is like saying you have a lump In your breast and we will check it again in 6 months to see if it has grown. I'm sorry your test came back like that and I hope the next one comes back clean!

Erica I'm very sorry!


Tri - how old is your Dad? Believe me we love to talk about ITP - and you will find that everyone's story is different. Hope your Dad is doing well!

I was going to post about rectal bleeding. Glad someone did. My husband has ITP (13 yrs) and also a hemorrhoid problem which he's had all his life. From what he tells me, he gets a good bit of bleeding when he goes or sometimes it's a while after he's gone to the bathroom. He says, don't worry, I'll do something about it when I feel it's bad enough so we leave it at that.

I don't know what to do here. Should he see a GI doctor first or the hema first? How would one prepare for hemorrhoid surgery having ITP? That is such a vascular surgery! The bad thing about all this is that when he has treatment (dexa and IVIG) the hemorrhoids all fill up with the new thicker blood full of platelets and his hemorrhoid problem is SEVERE! Last time we had to call the GI dr at home on a Sunday who prescribed steroid suppositories.

Any comments are appreciated!

Last 3 counts with no treatment:
27k, 21k, 23k