Warning. : Yesterday afternoon whilst I was... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

20,124 members37,706 posts

Warning.

YuliK profile image
45 Replies

Yesterday afternoon whilst I was putting the washing in the drier...I felt like I had water in my slipper. Looking down I nearly fainted. I had blood pouring out of a vein in the front of my leg. I hadn't knocked it or felt anything.

I couldn't stop the bleeding and I felt a wee bit faint, probably as I was on my own. Eventually managed to halt the flow..

Spoke with the doctor and he said it was a side effect of the prednisone...he said that the prednisone makes the skin very translucent and the veins are more exposed.

So folks, just be careful not to get any knocks as the veins are very vulnerable to breaking open.

Left with an inch open sore, now letting the fresh air heal it.

YuliK 76

Written by
YuliK profile image
YuliK
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
45 Replies
Longtimer profile image
Longtimer

Oh dear, hope it heals soon...

Pongo13 profile image
Pongo13

How frightening for you. Hope the wound mends quickly x

Rimmy profile image
Rimmy

Yes Pred makes the skin so much more susceptible - especially at higher doses - to knocks, bumps, scratches. bruises etc. That would have been a scary thing - especially if you weren't expecting it. When I am in the garden I am always knocking my hands and arms - walking into branches etc (now with cataracts I have blurry vision) - so i know the feeling.

Take care !!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

That must have been an awful shock YuliK. Are you on any other significant meds?

I am aware of having to be particularly careful shaving my legs, my shins have become very boney.

Take care of yourself!!

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to SheffieldJane

Firstly I wish I had boney shins. 🙏

Yes Dear, unfortunately I am. I take aspirin , heart pills , ( 2 heart attacks, angioplasty, 1 stent) Lipitor, vitamin D, anti-biotics, uti's preventative treatment)

Thyroid medication 20mg.

Prednisone

Paracetamol only when I get the pmr pains in the morning. Ok

Two years ago I had fibro-sarcoma and a MOHs operation ...I'm still under the oncologist, but fortunately it didn't spread to the shoulder or collar bone.

I take life as it's thrown at me, I'm not one to sit and worry what will be, we have to be realistic and realize that it could be worse..

I love helping people and after my late husband rip died of bladder cancer, I have been supporting friends who are not able to cope for themselves. It's very satisfying believe me.

I'm doing fine, except for the occasional twinge from my PMR...if we dwell on it, it becomes a burden, just remember that there is always a light at the end of the road and say to yourself, I'm going to eventually beat this darn disease.

Worrying only makes things worse.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to YuliK

Wise words YuliK!

I was wondering about the blood thinning properties of your other medication compounding the problem. Bony shins are a nuisance. ☹️

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to SheffieldJane

Yes SJ, you're absolutely correct.

After yesterday's experience I have cut out the aspirin for the time being.

I only have an appointment with my GP beginning of next month. 😩

Thanks for all your support. It's greatly appreciated...

Good luck ladies in your role of mods. It will be a great help to the forum. 👏👏👏👏

Thank you.

YuliK

Noosat profile image
Noosat in reply to YuliK

Recently I read in a health journal that it is no longer thought that an aspirin a day will keep a heart attack at bay. I have been taking a "baby" one for a long time, although cannot take larger as it negatively affects the lining of my stomach.

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb in reply to YuliK

Yupik, I am on Aspirin the small amount, as I have a stent in R coronary artery, do ask your Dr about stopping it. I’m on blood thinners also, but even in hospital in Nov for a laminectomy, they didn’t stop the Aspirin at all, stopped the Apixaban for a few days pre op. Just a bit worried about you stopping the Aspirin, though of course it’s up to you. x hope you don’t mind me commenting?

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to marigoldb

Thanks marigold,

Of course I don't mind you commenting. Yes I will consult the cardiologist...you're right...

I'm surprised they didn't stop the aspirin for your back surgery. Ouch. 😱hope you are out of pain now.

Psychologically it's not an easy procedure to pass...

Thanks for your concern

Yulik

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb in reply to YuliK

I was told by cardiologist and surgeon not to stop the Aspirin. Like you I have a R coronary stent. I’m also in line for a TAVI, new aortic valve! Decision being made on next visit end of May. Scared stiff about that! Still on Prednisolone for PMR!

Hi Yulik

What a shock for you, you must have been quite frightened.

Keep a close eye on it, as it may take a while to heal. It’s fine letting the air heal it but cover it when you’re wearing tights or trousers incase you knock it again.

My Mum used to have this issue & her poor arms were covered with scars where she’s caught them.

She learned to wear trousers & long sleeves around the house to try & protect her skin.

Take Care 💐

MrsN

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I have been so lucky - after 9 years of pred and also being on anticoagulant therapy you would think I'd be bleeding all over the place. I develop interesting bruises occasionally - usually a couple of days stretching out the a/c doses sorts that! (Discussed with the local haematology consultant and OK'd.)

If something happens like this don't rule out using 999 if sitting with the limb higher than your heart and steady pressure on the bleed for 5 mins (more is also OK) doesn't work. Especially if you are on medications that increase the risk of bleeding - such as steroids and aspirin!

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to PMRpro

Thanks PMR/pro

I haven't been able for many, many moons to lift my limbs up the stairs...😂now you want me to lift my limb higher than my heart 😱

Only kidding...❤️

Truth, I didn't think about that. 🌷

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to YuliK

Lie on the sofa? Feet on a cushion?

Hollyseden profile image
Hollyseden in reply to YuliK

I love that you still have your sense of humour 😊

Grants148 profile image
Grants148

This was very scary for you,l hope that the sore will heal soon.

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales

You poor thing. I am always banging into things and bleeding profusely. Fortunately I have never had a spontaneous bleed that must have been very frightening. PMRPRO has given you good advice and all I would add is to stock up with some micropore tape and Melonin dressings in case it happens again. As others have said your skin is very thin and these products are more gentle. I also use spray dressing once the bleeding has stopped.

It’s less scary when you are prepared

Your positive attitude is wonderful

We are all here to support you

Take care

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to EdithWales

Thank you Edith, I'll certainly be prepared next time.

👍

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Scary. I had a mini version of this on my arm. A place where I often get those little red marks so in the course of daily life I must somehow always be bumping it. One day I discovered the skin had peeled back and I was bleeding, not as spectacularly as you did, but a surprising amount. Like you, no recollection of having done anything, and it wasn't hurting. Unfortunately I didn't realize until it was too late that I should have carefully pulled the bunched up piece of skin back into place, after I was sure the wound was clean, so I now have a little bump, a totally unnecessary scar, don't know if it's permanent.

I'd be very careful with a wound on the lower leg as I suspect circulation often isn't as good there as in other parts of the body so the healing may take longer. Even the little place on my arm took what seemed forever and looked embarrassingly ugly for a while. I did keep it covered at night even after a scab had formed as I didn't want to either disturb the healing or get bloodied sheets. I've taken note of the advice given to you in this thread in case I run into this again. Tiresome, isn't it? I think we have enough to deal with!

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to HeronNS

I have done that many times, my skin is like paper and just peels off I stick it back and use the spray dressing

As you say tiresome. Never leave home without my spray

🥂🥂

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to EdithWales

Do you have any idea what causes the injuries?

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to HeronNS

Yes, I have become clumsy since Pred and my balance has gone. I am reasonable at home but out of my environment like holidays I am lethal. I was prescribed Hydrotherapy and then plain Physio and he worked on my balance. It’s definitely improved

Take care.

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell

Like pmrpro I have some amazing bruises even a huge one on my lower back from trying to sit down or the floor with my grandson and hitting the skirting board corner, but luckily no sign of thin skin. Thanks for the warningx

Constance13 profile image
Constance13

This happened to me several times when I was on high doses. After the second bleed I went to the doctor and the nurse bound it and gave me special non- stick dressings. I had to leave these on for five days (must not touch before that)!!!

Eventually the bleeds stopped.

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to Constance13

We are just like soldiers, what with our bandages and plasters. Patched up and on the pmr war path again. 👍

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Constance13

One of the important points is that the dressing should not be removed too soon - just because it appears to have stopped bleeding doesn't mean it won't bleed again.

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to PMRpro

Thanks for your advice. 👌

Patience47 profile image
Patience47

Thanks for that post. Glad you're ok. , and good luck and best wishes.

alvertta profile image
alvertta

I knocked my leg on the end of the bed frame. Felt nothing. Looked down to see a half inch gash, bleeding. So yes, It happens and fast. I carry lots of bandages in my purse as a paper cut in the grocery store bleeds a lot.

PMRMiltonkeynes profile image
PMRMiltonkeynes

Oh my goodness how scary for you. I am always knocking into things and I had noticed my veins are worse than normal. Hope you soon are fully healed and thank you for sharing

polsk profile image
polsk

Oh dear... poor you - what a horrible shock. Hope it heels quickly. With this ******* you never know what's going to hit you next!!!! xxx

Daffodilia profile image
Daffodilia

Get better soon - extra info useful

patriciawhite profile image
patriciawhite

OMG what a shock !

yogabonnie profile image
yogabonnie

Been there !!! Such a shock. Glad you are okay! only advice is COVER IT!!!! Bad infections lurk! My poor grandson ran into my leg and a skin flap tore open. I thought the poor boy was going to faint.

Noosat profile image
Noosat

I have found that I have to wear gardening gloves when pruning even small plants, because the smallest twig scrape can start a hand bleed. I think we must be very vulnerable to the smallest scrape, even when we don't actually feel it.

bunnymom profile image
bunnymom

Oh goodness what a shock. We do have one thing after another it sometimes seems. Wishing you well today. 💐

Lonsdalelass profile image
Lonsdalelass

Oh heck, that sounds horrific!! Think I would have fainted. You did well to deal with it. Hope it heals soon. My few little cuts since being on pred have taken longer to heal, just another side effect. I'm going to be watching more carefully now that I don't knock myself, as I can be a bit accident prone! Thanks for the warning Yulik.

9lives profile image
9lives

Aww dear how scary for you, hope you ok now.

Think I would of panicked myself, you managed very well x

When I wax my top lip I am finding it scabs up , Really embarrassing.

Also I don’t get my eyebrows threaded anymore as same thing happens.

Think I’d rather be hairy than scabby 😂devil and the deep blue sea !!

Carole

Ps will my skin thicken up later ? Am on 2.50 mg

in reply to 9lives

Ooh Carole

That sounds a bit nasty, of course the skin on your top lip is very thin, were you waxing it yourself? I was about to suggest threading until l read on further.....

MrsN

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to 9lives

I think if we use a good transdermal moisturizer then things would improve.

I don't wax my upper lip. I have blonde hair so it doesn't show too much.

1602 profile image
1602

Do hope you feeling better

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to 1602

Yes thanks 🙏I'm really fine.

I spoke with my doctor this morning and it seems that aspirin takes at least four weeks to leave our system. So giving a break of a week or ten days will be ok. 💃

I'm one who try's not to let things and situations get me down.

I've learned in life, something that we can't change, why worry about it. Worrying makes us feel worse.

artfingers profile image
artfingers

I wonder too if wounds take longer to heal due to the pred. It seems like I've had this surgery scab for 4 weeks now and it still hasn't fallen off. Sheesh. I am suspecting the prednisone. Doesn't matter, it will heal when it will I guess.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to artfingers

For some people it probably does - I still heal very fast so it isn;t everyone.

You may also like...

_Flashes; Warn of GCA flare

this morning for a routine check of the eyes. He He said,\\"I've found that GCA patients experience...

Blood pressure warning

diastolic. The literature said to seek advice so I asked him in doors and he casually said I had AF...

Delayed eye appointment warning

drops to try and reduce the ocular pressure. He said he would see me in 4/5 weeks to see if the...

Early Warning Symptom Perhaps?

days and may have just been in hands and feet. It felt sponge like and numbing . It’s worse now...

Diabetes -warning