Should I wear a medical alert?

Yes. Emergency care providers know to look for a medical ID if you can’t speak for yourself.

Medical IDs can be worn as bracelets or necklaces. They should include:

• Your name
• The name of your condition
• Any allergies you have
• Any medication you take for your condition
• An emergency contact number

The Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center can help you get a Medical ID.

What is iron deficiency and why does it matter?

Iron deficiency means your body doesn’t have enough iron. Your body uses iron to help make hemoglobin, a protein in blood that carries oxygen. Iron is also an important part of many chemical reactions in your body.

Iron deficiency can be caused by:

• A diet that is too low in iron.
• Losing too much iron through bleeding.
• Your body absorbing too little iron.

We can tell if you have iron deficiency by testing your blood. The most common tests are:

• A complete blood count, also called a CBC.
• A ferritin test, also called an iron storage test.

If you have iron deficiency, your care team may recommend iron pills for a few months or an iron infusion through your vein. Your care team will discuss ways to prevent iron deficiency, including adding more iron-rich foods to your diet or treating bleeding symptoms.

What should I know about heavy periods?

Many people with bleeding disorders have heavy periods. If they’re not treated, they can lead to anemia, or not having enough healthy red blood cells.

Talk to your provider if you have signs of heavy periods:

• Periods that last more than seven days
• Having to change pads, tampons or other period products every one to two hours
• Having to double up on period products
• Passing large or multiple clots
• Blood soaking through clothes
• Bleeding that hinders your daily life

How do I control nosebleeds? When should I get medical care for a nosebleed?

We have kits you can take home to help prevent and treat nosebleeds.

Call us at 503-494-8716 if you:

• Have a nosebleed that doesn’t stop when you pinch your nose or try other ways to control it.
• Have a nosebleed that lasts several hours.
• Have frequent small nosebleeds for weeks at a time.
• Throw up blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.
• Have signs of anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells):
  • Skin that has lost its usual color
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath

To prevent nosebleeds:

• Avoid picking your nose.
• If you have allergies, ask your provider about allergy treatments.
• If you live where the air is dry, use a humidifier if you can.

To control a nosebleed:

• Gently blow your nose to get rid of mucus and soft clots.
• Pinch the bridge of the nose (the bony part) and lean slightly forward. Keep pinching for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Put an ice pack on the nose if you can.

Over-the-counter treatments:

• For ages 6 and older: Afrin or another decongestant nasal spray, which causes blood vessels to tighten. Spray a cotton ball until it’s wet and put it in the nostril that is bleeding.
• For ages 12 and older: NasalCease, a soft strip. Place it in the nose for 30 minutes.
• Nose clamps.

What should I know about travel if I have a bleeding disorder?

Before your trip:

• Ask us for a travel letter. It will outline an emergency treatment plan, just in case. If you’re flying, it will help get your medication through airport security.
• Write down our phone number or put it in your phone.
• Look up the emergency room and treatment center closest to your destination.
• Take your bleeding treatment medications with you when you travel.

During your trip:

• Keep your medication with you, including in your carry-on bag if you’re flying.
• Use a cooler to keep your medication cold, if needed.
• Call us at 503-494-8716 if you have any questions.

Is it safe for me to get vaccinated?

Yes.

To reduce the risk of bleeding from getting a vaccine:

• Ask the provider to use the smallest needle possible.
• Put pressure on the vaccine site for up to 10 minutes.
• If you take factor prophylaxis, schedule your vaccination for a day when you’re getting prophylaxis.
• If you have had bleeding after a vaccination, talk with your provider about getting factor or another medication first.