Bloody Nose ???

[Dennis_]

I started my treatment on January 11, 2008 and am taking my fifth shot tomorrow night.  I got a bloody nose today.  I know quak (Lori) posted this question on Dec. 22 and I posted a comment to her question a second ago but that was a while ago.  Has anyone had a bloody nose ?  

Dennis

[TeeVee36]

I develped what I thougt was a sinus infection back in October.  Actually took antibiotics in late Oct or November for a sinus infection.  I have had a dry bloody nose for about 4 months now.  I use saline solution, try to drink a lot of water etc. but I haven't been able to get rid of the sinus problem.  I am hoping that when winter is over that I will heal.  I was also told to use a humidifier which for me requires way to much work.  Just carting it back in forth from bedroom to bathroom to fill it up got to be a pain real quick LOL.  May revisist an attempt at using it again, as it will probably help me with this condition.

TV

[Bill1954]

Hi Dennis,

Were you prone to nosebleeds prior to treatment? One of the adverse side effects to interferon treatment can be reduced platelet counts (thrombocytepenia). You've been on treatment long enough to develop this, but of course there are other reasons as well. Platelets are needed to help blood clot- while a bloody nose is a nuisance, it's not usually life threatening. However, it might be a sign that your treatment needs modification.

If it were me, I'd call and leave a message with the doctor's service and bring them up to speed- they'll probably review your latest labs, and possibly order another set to establish trends.

Good luck, and let us know how things go--

Bill