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MY FRIEND WAS COUGHING UP BLOOD
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
Starfall99
New member
I'm sure it's really scary having a friend go through that (it's scary for us to go through it too!), but you should know a lot of people with CF cough up blood sometimes. I myself do it on a semi-regular basis. How serious it is depends on a few things, like how much it is (I usually bring up a tablespoon or 2) and how frequently it happens. A lot of blood can be serious, and if it's happening very frequently it may indicate it's time for a "tune-up" in the hospital (when I need a tune up I can have small bleeds almost every day), but it really varies depending on what's normal or not for the person.
If your friend didn't seem too startled by it I would say you shouldn't worry too much. If she's never done that before she should definitely let her doctor know (even if she does it regularly it's important to let her doctor know how frequently and how much blood is normal for her and if anything changes). I would say DON'T make a big deal about it, I don't find it very helpful when people around me start freaking, because <i>I'm</i> scared when I bleed and if other people get all upset it makes me less calm, and also if other people start freaking it kinda makes me feel like a freak! I would just say to let her know you're there to help her and comfort her and let her vent if she needs to... I know sometimes I put so much effort into making things out not to be a big deal so my friends won't get scared, that I end up being scared by myself because my friends don't even know there's anything wrong. Which is a shame, because thank Gd I have some really great friends who would totally be there for me in those times if I would just tell them.
That's my take on the situation, it could be different for other people though.
If your friend didn't seem too startled by it I would say you shouldn't worry too much. If she's never done that before she should definitely let her doctor know (even if she does it regularly it's important to let her doctor know how frequently and how much blood is normal for her and if anything changes). I would say DON'T make a big deal about it, I don't find it very helpful when people around me start freaking, because <i>I'm</i> scared when I bleed and if other people get all upset it makes me less calm, and also if other people start freaking it kinda makes me feel like a freak! I would just say to let her know you're there to help her and comfort her and let her vent if she needs to... I know sometimes I put so much effort into making things out not to be a big deal so my friends won't get scared, that I end up being scared by myself because my friends don't even know there's anything wrong. Which is a shame, because thank Gd I have some really great friends who would totally be there for me in those times if I would just tell them.
That's my take on the situation, it could be different for other people though.
Joblazer86
New member
It happens like starfall stated. If it is not a lot and only happened once than it is no biggie.
irishangel1627
New member
If your friend has a lot of blood she should talk to her Doctor. Is she getting sick? I wouldn't be too worried but as a friend I understand that it is hard to watch your friend go through this. I have CF and my little brother does also. When he coughs up blood (sometimes more than others) I get very worried even though it has happened to me. Talk to your friend about it but don't seem too worried. You don't want to make her feel like you are giving her pity or making her feel different.
Colleen-20-w/CF
Colleen-20-w/CF
Make sure your friend at least notifies her doc of the hemoptysis and amount. It is very important to remember that not only does coughing itself cause bronchitis but several of the inhalants she probably is prescribed cause it as well. This many times encourages the expectoration of blood tinged secretions. It is imperative to distinguish between blood tinged and blood. Part of our disease is the inability to "digest" vitamin K, which promotes clotting. The lack of Vit K can thin the blood and make it easier to bleed. Also if the blood has become very frequent her doctor may need to get a CT of her chest. One of the secondary diseases associated with by CF is bronchiectasis. This process normally presents itself in the moderate stages of the disease. It is important to diagnosis bronchiectasis so the problem areas can be identified. This will help the doctor manage her care better especially if an emergency should arise.
But take it from me, a person who coughs up at times an alarming amount of blood ,it scares you much more than it does her.
But take it from me, a person who coughs up at times an alarming amount of blood ,it scares you much more than it does her.
NoDayButToday
New member
Hey another Colleen... I hardly ever meet anyone else named Colleen; its uncommon where I live. I go by Coll though. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
NoDayButToday
New member
I'm not sure why that posted twice.. oh well
I was in my early twenties the first time I coughed up blood. I completely freaked out and was on the phone w/ my CF doc in a hearbeat. He simply wanted me to keep an eye on how often, how much and would make a decision from there. He basically told me that the force and frequency of my coughing could lead to bleading. I didn't see much pure blood, but saw a lot mixed in with sputum. As everyone else has mentioned, just make sure your friend lets her doctor know that she is coughing up some blood and he/she will guide you from there. All new events seem to be a surprise, how critical these surprises are can vary.
Good luck to you're friend and you.
Good luck to you're friend and you.