Unexplained Bruising on My Legs - Doctor Seemingly Dismissive
Hello everyone! • I'm a 27-year-old female living with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and Social Anxiety. • Medications I’m currently on: - Lisdexamfetamine, 30mg - Bupropion HCL XL, 150mg (3 times daily) - Lamotrigine, 25mg (twice daily) - Duloxetine HCL, 60mg - Ozempic, 1mg - Vitamin D3, 1000mg - Alysena 28 About two years ago, I began to notice unexpected bruises appearing on my legs. Initially, I thought it was just my clumsiness at play. After a few months, these occurrences ceased. However, in early October 2024, the bruising resumed. Occasionally, a certain area of my leg would itch, and after lightly scratching it—nothing too aggressive—a bruise would manifest the following day. I have also noticed that my legs have been increasingly itchy alongside these bruises. The size of these bruises ranges, typically from the diameter of a small coin to roughly four inches in length. They remain visible for the usual duration before fading away. To keep track of them, I started photographing these bruises and even created an album on my phone titled "Bruises," which I find amusing. When I finally visited my doctor to share this issue, he inquired about any breathing difficulties or feelings of dizziness, neither of which I experienced. He didn’t review my pictures but opted to order some blood tests. The results were largely normal, with the exception of my APTT levels, which were slightly elevated (normal is between 25.2 and 36.0 seconds; mine was 37.6 seconds). During my follow-up appointment, my doctor reiterated what I already suspected—everything seemed fine. He wants to retest my APTT to rule out any false positive, as it was only marginally high. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be causing this?
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 9:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing unexplained bruising on your legs, which can understandably be concerning. There are a few potential reasons for this, particularly given your history of depression and anxiety, as well as your medication regimen. It's essential to closely monitor these symptoms and understand your body's signals.
Possible Causes:
- Medications: Some medications like blood thinners or even certain antidepressants can increase bruising. Medications may impact platelet function or blood coagulation, leading to easier bruising.
- Skin Sensitivity: Itching and bruising after light scratching might indicate heightened sensitivity in your skin, possibly related to a dermatological issue or an allergic reaction.
- Underlying Health Conditions: High APTT levels may suggest issues with blood clotting, even if the changes are slight. Conditions like thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or other clotting disorders can also cause easy bruising.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C or Vitamin K, can impact skin and blood vessel integrity, leading to bruising.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep documenting your bruises with photos and note the extent of itching and any other symptoms you experience. This information can help provide clearer insights during future medical consultations.
- Dietary Review: Consider assessing your diet to ensure you're getting adequate nutrients, especially Vitamin C and K, which are essential for skin health and blood clotting.
- Follow Up on APTT: Since your doctor advised a retest of the APTT, ensure you follow through with this. Understanding why your levels were slightly elevated is vital in addressing any potential underlying issues.
- Consult Your Doctor: If bruising continues or worsens, or if you're concerned about the side effects of your medications, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a hematologist or a dermatologist. You might also discuss your concerns about how your doctor approached the situation, as a second opinion can also provide reassurance.
Final Thoughts
It's normal to feel unsettled when experiencing these symptoms, especially when they seem to have no clear cause. By taking these steps, you can build a proactive approach to managing your symptoms while keeping your healthcare provider informed. Remember that you have the right to advocate for your health and seek clarity on your concerns.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!