Blood thinners

Hi Bird.

Thanks for getting in touch through our online community. I hope you are finding it a supportive environment. I’m Helen and I’m also one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on our support line.

I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing pains in your legs that are stopping you sleeping.

As you have a new symptom, we recommend you seek a medical assessment as soon as is possible. Normally, when someone is having chemotherapy, they are given a 24-hour contact number for their hospital so they can make contact if they have any side effects or new symptoms. We would encourage you to call that number as soon as you are able.

If you don’t have a 24 hour contact for the hospital, or if you can’t get through on that number, please call 111, this service is available 24 hours a day.

If your symptoms get worse, or you experience chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, please don’t hesitate to call 999.

Chemotherapy can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood. These cells fight infection. Developing an infection when you have a low number of white blood cells can sometimes be a serious complication of chemotherapy. 

One of the signs that you may have an infection is having a high temperature. Drugs such as paracetamol lower your temperature, so they can hide or mask an infection.

As we don’t have access to your medical records and history, we are unable to say whether you would be able to take paracetamol on your current treatment. Please speak to your team at the hospital about taking paracetamol, as they will be able to give you further advice.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact with us if you need further information or support.  

Best wishes

Helen K

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm or contact us by email or webchat. 

Ref: HK / KM