Bruising

[kk928]

Hi all: I noticed that for the past two months since I have been on meds for IC that I have a constant array of about 5 bruises on my legs. Does anyone get bruising and is this to be expected? I have a doctor appointment on Thursday, but I wanted to get a feel for how typical this is for someone taking meds for IC and if I should be concerned about the bruising. Thanks, Kathy:hmm:

[mom_in_ma]

If you're on elmiron, it's a side affect. Elmiron is a blood thinner.

[tuvaralm]

I normally bruise very easily, and the doc just started me on the elmiron. He warned me that it will make me bruise even easier now, due to it being a weak blood thinner. If the bruises are severe looking it would not hurt to ask your doctor about them and see what he/she says about it.

[born2swim]

I bruise like a peach, but since starting Elmiron, I have been bruising more (from tiny bumps even). I have had a few "red" bruises, that look like pin point bleeding under the skin (there is a medical term, but I won't bore you with that). I pointed it out to my IC doctor and they said the blood thinning effects are minor (but yes can happen) and that the med has a short half-life in the body (2-4 hours or something). They told me I could cut out the afternoon dose if I wanted to, but I shouldn't be hurt by 3 doses. If I see the red bruises, I cut back to 2, but then I up it to 3 when they are gone. I had some around my lips and on my arms and my doctor didn't like that, but wasn't overly concerned.

I hope this helped somewhat!

[Waves]

I'm not on Elmiron (possibly yet), but just being on OTC pain meds, I seem to bruise more, as well.

[tigger_gal]

I was going to come in and post too if you are on elmiron you will bruise just thinking about bumping into something lol.
If you are not taking Elmiron and you are bruising easily, it would be a very good idea to speak to your doctor about it.

[kk928]

Thanks everyone! Your posts are very reassuring that the bruising is normal. I will not worry about it, but will point it out to my doctor. And yes, I am on elmiron. __Kathy