Unusual Prolonged Bruising from Blood Draw (Almost a Year Later)
Hello! I'm a 32-year-old Latina with little in the way of medical issues, aside from resolving low ferritin levels along with anemia back in 2021 through dietary changes and vitamin supplements. After seven years as a vegetarian and pescatarian, I transitioned back to eating meat. In May 2024, I needed to have some blood drawn. Due to my challenging veins, I communicated with the nurse at the clinic, requesting a butterfly needle. However, the nurse seemed preoccupied and proceeded to use a standard needle instead, resulting in a difficult draw. A few days post-draw, I noticed a red spot appearing at the site. A month later, it had visibly increased in size and redness. By September 2024, the situation worsened, prompting me to visit my primary care provider. I told her that the spot had developed following the blood draw, but she seemed perplexed and referred me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist conducted a shave biopsy to rule out any skin condition, which came back normal. They simply stated it was "vascular" in nature. I mentioned this to my primary care doctor, who advised me to apply pressure to it but didn’t provide any follow-up instructions. Typically, my primary care provider is fantastic, but she appears to have been disengaged over the past year, possibly due to her own pregnancy difficulties. She has since left the practice, making it impossible to consult her again. Currently, I feel as if the red spot is either growing larger or becoming more pronounced. The raised lesion is from the biopsy scar; otherwise, the surrounding area is flat, characterized only by discoloration. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar and if they could share any insights. Could there be a risk of blood clots involved here? Additionally, I'm concerned about the aesthetics of this issue, especially since it has persisted for nearly a year now. For reference, I was recently sedated for a procedure, and while I experienced bruising from the IV, it resolved quickly within a few days, which leads me to believe this current situation is distinct. My blood tests from last year returned normal, except for consistently low white blood cell counts. My doctors have reassured me, noting that my immune system remains in good standing. Would it be advisable to raise this concern again with a new primary care physician or should I seek the opinion of a hematologist? I will share progress pictures of my arm in the comments. Thank you, everyone!
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 10:01:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a frustrating and concerning situation with the prolonged redness and growth of the spot after your blood draw. Your concerns about potential risk, especially regarding blood clots, and the ongoing aesthetic issue are completely valid. Here’s a structured way to address your situation:
Main Points:
- Persistent Red Spot: This could be a vascular issue or perhaps related to scarring from the biopsy.
- Concern for Blood Clots: While possible, the symptoms you described do not typically suggest a clot.
- Next Steps: Consider seeking further medical opinion to gain clarity and assistance.
Explanation:
The prolonged red spot and discoloration around the site of your blood draw could suggest a variety of issues, such as a vascular malformation, a hematoma that has organized, or residual effects from the biopsy. It's important to note that while blood clots are a serious concern, they usually present with other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in skin color beyond just localized redness. Your symptom of ongoing discoloration is more likely linked to the procedures you've undergone rather than a clot.
Given that the dermatologist's findings were normal but noted it was "vascular," it may indicate no immediate danger but still leaves the door open for further investigation. The fact that the spot is changing (growing larger or more pronounced) warrants another look, especially since you've been living with it for nearly a year.
Next Steps:
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Seek a New Primary Care Physician: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. Mention the history and progression of the spot since the blood draw, as well as the biopsy results.
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Consider a Referral to a Hematologist: If your primary care provider agrees, getting an opinion from a hematologist may be beneficial, especially since they can evaluate any underlying blood-related concerns or issues with healing.
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Document Changes: Keep track of any changes in the spot (size, color, discomfort) and take photos to share with your healthcare provider.
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Explore Aesthetic Options: If aesthetics are causing you concern after medical opinions, a dermatologist may also have recommendations for treatment or management of the scar or redness.
While it may feel daunting, addressing your concerns with a new physician will provide you with the support you need. Let me know if you have any further questions or need assistance navigating your next steps!
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