Seeking Insights on My Health Concerns
I understand that this isn’t professional medical guidance, but I'm eager to hear your thoughts while I await my consultation with a specialist. I'm a 27-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism. I’ve been taking a dosage of 5 mg of methimazole twice daily since February. Recently, I began to experience unusual bruising exclusively on my hips and down both legs, which started around two months ago. The areas where the bruises appear become extremely painful before any discoloration is visible, and then, unexpectedly, substantial bruises form without any clear cause. After conducting five different blood tests, the hospital reported several abnormal findings in my patient portal, which led them to refer me to a specialist for further examination. My Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Auto Differential displayed the following anomalies: - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) elevated at 36.1 - Neutrophils relative percentage was high at 82% - Relative Lymphocytes at 9.7% (low) - Absolute Lymphocytes measured at .69 (low) Other parameters fell within normal limits or were marginally elevated. Furthermore, my Comprehensive Metabolic Panel showed abnormal results, and the CBC with Differential also indicated irregularities. The Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) tests returned these results: - Protime at 15.3 (elevated) - INR (International Normalized Ratio) at 1.21 (high) I’m sharing this information in the hopes of gaining some insights or experiences you may have had with similar symptoms or situations.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 1:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms related to your diagnosed Graves' disease and the treatment you're receiving. The combination of persistent bruising, pain in the affected areas, and the blood test results you've shared warrant careful consideration.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms of unusual bruising, pain, and the abnormal blood work could signify an underlying issue that may be connected to your treatment or a separate condition.
- It's essential to monitor your symptoms and prepare adequate information for your upcoming consultation with the specialist.
Explanation:
Graves' disease increases thyroid hormone production, which can lead to various symptoms and sometimes complicate your blood parameters. Methimazole, the medication you're taking, can affect blood cell counts and clotting factors in some cases. The elevation in prothrombin time (PT) and INR suggests a possible issue with blood clotting, which can be linked to conditions affecting the liver, vitamin K levels, or the effects of medication.
The bruising you’re experiencing could be related to a low platelet count (which was not mentioned in your results, but is important) or clotting factor issues. The low lymphocyte count in your CBC also indicates a concern that could relate to your immune system or bone marrow function.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of new bruises, the areas affected, the pain level, and any potential triggers (like activities or injuries). This will be valuable information for your specialist.
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Monitor Other Symptoms: Pay attention to additional symptoms such as fatigue, unusual bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills). Keep track of any changes in your overall health.
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Stay Informed: Understand your blood test results and how they relate to your condition. Familiarize yourself with terms like PT, PTT, and INR, so you can discuss these with your specialist confidently.
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Consider Diet and Nutrition: Ensure you're getting adequate nutrients necessary for blood health, focusing on vitamin K-rich foods (like green leafy vegetables) and staying hydrated.
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Prepare Questions for Your Specialist: Write down specific questions or concerns regarding your symptoms and blood results for your upcoming consultation.
It's commendable that you're being proactive about your health, and leaning on your healthcare team is crucial. Remember, they can provide the most accurate guidance tailored to your specific situation. Wishing you the best for your upcoming appointment. Let me know if you have further questions or need more information.
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