Autologous Transplant Patient Education Manual - Moores Cancer ...

Preventing Bleeding
After your discharge from the hospital, you may still be at risk for bleeding. Please ask your
nurse or doctor if this is a risk for you. A platelet count of less than 50,000 and the need for
frequent platelet transfusions will put you at risk for bleeding.
Use these following precautions:
Use an electric razor.
Avoid contact sports.
Avoid heavy lifting.
Do not go barefoot. Always wear slippers or shoes.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation.
Avoid sharp kitchen utensils or tools.
Do not use rectal thermometers, suppositories or enemas.
Do not have sexual intercourse if your platelet count is less than 50,000. See the
following section on sexual activity for more recommendations.
Do not use aspirin or products containing aspirin (it causes bleeding) such as: Alka-
Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin, Ascriptin, Aspergum, Bayer and Bayer Decongestants,
BromoSeltzer, Congesprin, Dristan, Ecotrin, Excedrin, Fiorinal, Midol, Nuprin,
Percodan, Sine Off, St. Joseph’s Aspirin, Four Way Cold Tablets.
Sexual Activity
Your sexual desire may be decreased following your transplant. In most cases this is only
temporary and normal desire will return. Try to keep an open mind about the different
ways to feel sexual pleasure. Many couples have different ideas of what is "normal" sex.
There may be times when intercourse is not possible. Those times can provide you the
opportunity to learn new ways to give and receive sexual pleasure. You and your partner
can help each other reach orgasm through mutual caressing and stimulation. At times, just
cuddling can be enough. Do not deny yourself different ways of expressing, caring, and
feeling alive, just because your usual routine has been disrupted. Open communication
between you and your partner is an important part of resuming sexual activity.
If you are having a hard time coping with issues such as body image, desire, response and
your identity as a man or woman, please let your nurse, doctor or social worker know.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
If your platelet count is below 50,000, be gentle to avoid bleeding and infections. Sexual
intercourse is not advisable if your platelet count is less than 50,000. Practice cleanliness and
safe sex. Also, remember you will become tired more easily, so do not over-exert yourself.
You and your partner should use a condom for three months following your transplant. It is
advisable to avoid oral sex until your mouth is completely healed. It is also advised to
refrain from anal intercourse for six months following transplant.
Kissing is fine, but continue to use common sense. Good oral hygiene is important. If you or
your partner has a cold, fever, open sore on the mouth-DO NOT KISS each other.
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