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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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! 💛
Related Questions
Should I Consult My Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Lymphocytic Colitis Diagnosis?
I’m a 30-year-old woman with a medical history that includes polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, and recently, lymphocytic colitis. In addition to these conditions, I also have a background of cubital tunnel syndrome. I underwent surgery last year to correct the issue on my left side, but unfortunately, my right side is beginning to show similar problems and has worsened recently. Additionally, I am experiencing a pinched nerve in my left hip which results in pain and numbness. Just two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis following biopsies taken during a colonoscopy. This procedure was necessary due to my ongoing struggle with more than a dozen episodes of watery diarrhea that have persisted for the past two months, although I've experienced similar issues intermittently for nearly a decade. Finally having a diagnosis feels like a relief, and the Budesonide medication appears to be beneficial. Upon researching lymphocytic colitis, I learned that it may increase my risk for rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other autoimmune disorders. About a year ago, I had surgery to alleviate compression on my left ulnar nerve, which was severely pinched to the point of needing correction—my surgeon described my nerve as being constricted like an hourglass. Despite the surgery, I've still not regained full function in my pinky and ring fingers on that side, and now I’m beginning to experience similar symptoms on my right hand. On top of that, I have persistent hip pain, with the nerve-related symptoms primarily affecting my left side. My mobility is further restricted due to upper back and neck pain, making it difficult to engage in activity for prolonged periods. I’m only able to manage work by sitting on my couch with my laptop. Interestingly, I notice that light physical activities like walking tend to alleviate my hip pain, even though initiating movement can sometimes be painful. I find that walking daily helps maintain a level of control over my symptoms, though the discomfort tends to amplify after periods of inactivity, particularly in the mornings. I've scheduled a follow-up appointment with my doctor for two weeks from now, but I'm grappling with the instinct to cancel it. Part of me fears that the doctor will dismiss my concerns as irrational for linking these various symptoms. Despite the discomfort being manageable, I frequently rely on the maximum dosage of acetaminophen, which I realize might not be the best option for my health. Do you think it would be beneficial for me to discuss these concerns with my doctor?
Experiencing Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
I’m a 22-year-old female, standing at 5'8" and weighing approximately 230 pounds. My daily medications include 10mg of Lexapro, 12.5mg of Atenolol, along with a daily dose of vitamin D. As indicated in the title, I’ve been on my menstrual period for nearly two weeks now. Prior to this, I hadn’t experienced a period in about two months, although I occasionally noticed some pinkish discharge when wiping, which is typically associated with menstruation. Interestingly, this discharge never reached my underwear—it was only detectable upon wiping after using the restroom. I’m in a quandary about whether I should consult my healthcare provider or simply endure this situation. My bleeding isn’t consistent; some days I won’t bleed at all, only to find that I start bleeding at night and continue throughout the following day, only to have this pattern repeat itself. I’m aware that at 22, I should schedule an appointment with a gynecologist since I have never done so before, but I find myself apprehensive about it and keep postponing the visit. I’m seeking guidance—what should I do? All I want is for this bleeding to cease!
Requesting Advice on Rib Sprain and Associated Symptoms
**Personal Background:** - Male, 33 years old - Height: 5'8", Weight: 145 lbs - Currently not on any prescribed medications. Recently, I suspected a kidney stone and took 0.4mg Tamsulosin, though this is not a regular part of my routine. - Daily supplements include: - 2400 mg Omega 3-6-9 - 1000 IU Vitamin D3 - 1000 mcg Vitamin B12 - 1 capsule of Jamieson Probiotic (30 Billion) - For pain relief: 500 mg of acetaminophen approximately every 8 hours. Additionally, I take 200 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours, alternating between these two medications every 4 hours. **Incident Description:** While sparring with an opponent of comparable size in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I ultimately experienced pain in my upper left chest, near the heart, after standing up. Although I can't associate the pain with any specific movement, it occurred while I was exerting myself in challenging positions. At the moment of the injury, there was no noticeable sound or concerning sensation. Over time, the discomfort intensified, predominantly feeling as though it originated from my ribs. At rest, I have no pain, but certain movements, lifting objects, or lying on my right side trigger discomfort. Applying pressure around the area induces mild pain; however, more strenuous actions such as taking deep breaths, laughing, coughing, sneezing, and even minor actions like blowing my nose or sniffling exacerbate the pain. I've also noticed some popping sounds from the ribs in the vicinity of the pain. This occurs during specific movements, stretching, or deep breaths, and can sometimes be felt when walking. Concerned about the popping, I visited a physician. After examining my breathing through a stethoscope, they suggested I was utilizing my right lung more than my left and initially suspected a partially collapsed lung. Fortunately, x-rays confirmed this was not the case. The doctor concluded that I likely have a sprain and recommended rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding strenuous activities if they cause discomfort. I inquired about the popping sound in my ribcage, but they indicated uncertainty, suggesting it could be related to the sprain. **Seeking Additional Opinions:** I would appreciate any insights regarding the popping sounds associated with my ribcage, as this is my main concern. It feels more aligned with a fracture or dislocation than a sprain. Is it common for sprains to produce such popping sensations? Should I consult another medical professional for further evaluation? Thank you for your assistance!
Understanding Refeeding Syndrome
Hello, I’m a 37-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB) and currently struggling with being overweight. Since early March, I’ve been limiting my calorie intake to approximately 400-600 calories on most days, occasionally reaching around 800. I'm now seeking advice on the proper way to gradually reintroduce food and increase my calorie consumption. Lately, I’ve experienced significant dizziness and low blood pressure, along with discomfort in my kidney region on both sides. In an effort to improve my nutrition, I purchased some nutritional supplement drinks, as attempting to eat more solid food often leaves me feeling unwell, overheated, and nauseous. The supplements contain vitamins, which is a step up from the low-calorie, unvaried foods I’ve been consuming. Have I made irreversible mistakes with my health?
Unexpected Disturbance After Medical Procedure
I recently experienced a perplexing incident while in the hospital. After undergoing a laparoscopic sterilization, which went smoothly and allowed me to walk and shower independently, I encountered a troubling event. While being transferred from the ICU in a wheelchair, I was administered my prescribed Quetiapine, a medication that functions as an antidepressant and promotes sleep, alongside an injection for blood thinning. Although I normally have a fear of needles, I had never reacted this way before. Less than a minute after the injection, I suddenly lost consciousness for approximately twenty seconds. When I regained awareness, I found myself unintentionally striking the nurse's arm. The medical staff mentioned that it appeared I was experiencing an epileptic-like episode, despite my lack of a known epilepsy diagnosis. Strangely, I turned blue during this episode, yet I have no recollection of the event or the moments leading up to it. To me, it felt as though I had merely drifted off to sleep and was trapped in a nightmare about a troubling encounter. I'm reaching out not for a diagnosis but rather to express my bewilderment over the situation and potential causes. I felt quite remorseful and kept apologizing to the nurse whenever I spotted her, as I didn't intend for any of it to happen.