Lots of Bruising

[IrishSetterLover]

Hello everyone I hope you are having a good day I have ET, and started taking 2 baby aspirin and 500 mg daily of Hydroxyurea last March ('22) when my platelets reached 1.095 million. Initially I had multiple side effects so my oncologist decided to keep me on the 500 mg dose. My platelets float around 605,000

On my last visit in July, my red blood cells dropped, so he wants to see me this month.

During the last 2 months I'm bruising a lot. I have a 6-month old Irish Setter and he's on the rough side and bangs into me often. The next day a bruise appears.

Have any of you experienced this problem and also low red blood cell count? What were your solutions?

Thank you in advance. Have a pain-free and wonderful day! 👍😃

[hunter5582]

Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding/bruising) can occur either as a result of the aspirin or thrombocytosis. You are more prone to hemorrhage when your PLT levels are higher. If you do not have a history of excessive bruising when your PLTs were higher before starting on aspirin, I would be suspicious of an aspirin adverse effect.

When my PLT levels were near or over 800 and I was on aspirin I did experience excessive hemorrhage. It was an annoyance but not a serious issue most of the time. I did sustain on very significant hematoma following a serious fall. I went off the aspirin for a while at the recommendation of my MPN Specialist due to the increased risk of bleeding associated with aspirin use age > 60. I had to go back on the aspirin when I started experiencing erythromelalgia. It has not been a problem since my thrombocytosis is better controlled on Besremi/

Hydroxyurea reduces all three blood cell lines, not just PLTs. It can depress RBCs to the point of anemia. Dose titration is a balancing act to get it just right for you. Fortunately, you are right at the target of 600 that some MPN Specialists use.

Glad to hear that you are returning to see your hematologist soon. The se issues should be reviewed sooner rather than later.

[lizzziep]

We have a fussy Labrador cross with a very waggy tail which often results in bruises on my legs - which last quite a while. Many years ago we also had a Red Setter, such a lovely dog, excitable, silly but excellent with the children when they were young (in their 40’s now) we had her for 15 years, she was almost trained by the time we lost her! 🤣

[Orangeboykitty]

I don't have dogs, just cats, so nothing runs into me, and my platelets at my last CBC were 390, but I still have unexplained bruising. I just wake up with them. I think it's all part of this lovely disease, so I basically just ignore the bruises.

[Hopetohelp]

Can I ask why you are on 2 baby aspirin? I think most of us are on 1 x 75mg a day. As Hunter said aspirin can cause bruising so maybe reducing to one might help but please check with haematologist first