Unusual Physical Changes and Concerns
Hi everyone, I may have posted here in the past, but I wanted to share my current circumstances. I’m 28 (assigned female at birth), and I’ve recently noticed increasing bruising on my left leg. To add to that, I discovered that I have a fracture in my foot, but I'm unsure how it happened. Interestingly, the bruises don't hurt at all; they just seemed to appear out of nowhere. This seems to be a recurring theme in my life—going to bed without any issues and waking up with some odd new health problem. Just recently, I woke up with severe pain in my foot. After waiting more than a week, I visited a walk-in orthopedic clinic, only to learn that I have a significant fracture. I apologize if my thoughts seem scattered; my mind feels quite foggy. Previously, a hematologist diagnosed me with anemia, and although I followed their recommendation to take iron supplements, I have not noticed any improvements. My visit to the hematologist stemmed from an incident of leukocytosis, which he could not explain either. I underwent a complete hysterectomy on May 19, keeping my ovaries intact, and subsequent blood tests indicated that my anemia had actually worsened, despite not experiencing any bleeding. I’m also slightly deficient in vitamin D. My medications include lisinopril and metformin (for high insulin levels, not diabetes), along with skyrizi, Advil as needed, and omeprazole. Amid all of this, I’m also feeling quite exhausted. I suspect that it might be due to recovery from the surgery combined with the healing process of my foot injury, but everything feels overwhelming right now. Should I consult my hematologist again, or is it better to speak with my primary care physician? The moderate bruising on my leg is making me a bit anxious. Thank you for any advice you might have.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 1:10:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given the combination of symptoms and medical history you've described. Let's break this down and address your main issues: the unusual bruising, your anemia, and feelings of exhaustion.
Main Points
- Unusual Bruising: This may be linked to your anemia or other underlying health issues.
- Anemia and Fatigue: Fatigue can result from your anemia, recovery from surgery, and your foot injury.
- Next Steps: Consult your healthcare providers to address these specific health concerns.
Explanation
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Bruising: Easy bruising can occur due to various reasons, such as clotting disorders, low platelet counts, or even side effects from medications. Given your history of anemia and leukocytosis, it’s important to determine the underlying cause of your bruising, especially since they’re occurring without any trauma.
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Anemia: Anemia can cause fatigue and lack of energy. If iron supplements haven't helped, it might be worth checking to see if you need additional tests to determine the type of anemia (for example, iron deficiency vs. another type). Your recent hysterectomy and the resulting changes in your body might also contribute to this situation.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your bruising (size, number, and any new occurrences) and your fatigue levels. Note any other symptoms such as changes in appetite or weight.
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Consult Your Healthcare Providers: Given the complexity of your symptoms:
- Primary Care Physician (PCP): Start with your PCP. They can assess your overall health and manage multiple aspects, including your bruising and fatigue.
- Hematologist: If your PCP feels it’s necessary, they can refer you back to your hematologist for further evaluation of your anemia and unusual bruising.
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Nutritional Considerations: Ensure you’re taking your iron supplements as directed and consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods (like red meat, beans, leafy greens) and vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits) to enhance iron absorption. Since you're also vitamin D deficient, ensure you're taking appropriate supplements or sunlight exposure as tolerated.
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Self-Care: Prioritize rest and gentle movements to support healing from your surgery and foot injury. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can also help manage fatigue.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarity. It's important to take each concern one step at a time. You're doing the right thing by seeking help, and your health matters.
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