60TAB FOUR | TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF patient guide

• Eat a soft, bland diet, avoiding food with sharp edges.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Be careful not to cut yourself when doing chores, cooking or working in the yard.

• Ask your doctor if it is okay for you to be sexually active.

• Avoid contact sports with a risk of injury.

• Be aware of your surroundings and try not to bump into things.

• Watch your urine and stool for signs of bleeding or blood.

Low platelets can not only cause you to bleed and bruise easier, they can also cause petechia, which are small, red spots

under the skin and a sign that you have a low platelet count. They usually appear on the chest or back but can be seen

on the arms and legs. A low platelet count can be potentially dangerous if it gets too low. That is why it is important for

you to know when to call the doctor or nurse.

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

• Reddish or pinkish urine

• Black or bloody stools

• Bleeding from your nose or mouth

• Small, red spots under your skin

• Unexpected bruising

• Headaches or changes in vision

• A warm to hot feeling in an arm or leg