Experiencing Bruises and High MCV: Seeking Guidance for Next Steps
Hello everyone — I'm a 34-year-old female and was diagnosed with Lyme disease approximately a decade ago through a spinal tap. Recently, I’ve noticed a decline in my health and feel as though my concerns are not being taken seriously. **Symptoms I’m Experiencing:** - Recurrent small bruises on my arms and legs, along with bleeding gums and occasional nosebleeds. - Presence of petechiae and nails that tend to break easily. - Symptoms such as numbness, cognitive fog, and heightened anxiety. - Digestive issues, including bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, plus unexplained weight gain. **Recent Laboratory Findings:** - MCV: 100 (elevated) - CO₂: 18 (decreased) - High cholesterol and LDL levels - Other tests including CBC, platelets, thyroid, liver, and kidney assessments are within normal ranges. **Next Steps:** I’ve requested additional tests for B12, folate, clotting factors, ANA, and iron levels but have yet to receive any results. Do you think these issues could stem from a vitamin shortage, an autoimmune condition, or perhaps complications arising from Lyme disease? Should I consider requesting a consultation with a hematologist or a neurologist? I would truly appreciate any insights or similar experiences you could share. Thank you so much! 💛
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 12:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your health, especially with multiple symptoms and recent lab findings. Your experiences, including bruising, bleeding gums, cognitive fog, and digestive issues, warrant careful attention.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms and elevated MCV may suggest underlying issues, including vitamin deficiencies or potential autoimmune conditions.
- Monitoring your symptoms and following up on testing is essential to uncovering the root cause.
- Consulting with specialists like a hematologist or neurologist could provide further insights into your condition.
Explanation:
- Bruising and Bleeding: Symptoms like recurrent bruising and bleeding gums could be related to blood clotting issues. The presence of petechiae (small red or purple spots) can indicate a low platelet count or other hemostatic issues.
- Elevated MCV: A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 100 indicates larger red blood cells, often seen in vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies. These deficiencies can contribute to neurological symptoms as well.
- Digestive Issues: Your bloating and bowel changes might also relate to nutrient absorption or an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
- Lyme Disease: Although you've been diagnosed with Lyme disease previously, it's important to evaluate if any lingering effects may be contributing to your current symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Follow Up on Test Results: Stay in contact with your healthcare provider regarding the additional tests for B12, folate, iron levels, and clotting factors. Knowing these results will be critical.
-
Track Symptoms: Maintain a symptom diary detailing when your symptoms occur and any triggers you notice. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
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Consult Specialists: Based on the outcomes of your tests, consider requesting consultations with:
- Hematologist: To evaluate any blood-related concerns and investigate bruising or bleeding issues further.
- Neurologist: If cognitive symptoms and numbness persist, a neurologist could assess any underlying neurological issues.
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Self-Care: In the meantime, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health. Stay hydrated and get adequate rest to aid your body's recovery.
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Manage Anxiety: Given your heightened anxiety, consider incorporating stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or light physical activity, which can also benefit your overall health.
Feel free to reach out with any updates or further questions as you move forward. You're taking a proactive approach to your health, and that’s an important step! 💛
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