Unexpected Bruising with Normal Initial Test Results
Recently, I became aware of some bruises forming on my arms without any apparent cause. Within the last two days, I've noticed additional bruises, and they are sensitive to touch. Moreover, I have several bruises on my legs and some on my torso, although the majority are on my arms. It’s also important to note that I have been experiencing significant fatigue and irregular bowel habits lately, transitioning from diarrhea to days of constipation. Additionally, I've unexpectedly lost a small amount of weight without any alterations to my diet or physical activity. Last night, after experiencing a brief 5-minute episode of unusual visual disturbances that I find difficult to describe, I visited an instacare facility. During my visit, the medical staff conducted several initial blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), evaluations of liver function, and tests for blood clotting, along with a urine sample. All of these tests returned normal results, with the exception of a slightly elevated lipase level, which did not seem to concern the healthcare providers. I’m scheduled to see a primary care physician, but that appointment is nearly three weeks away. In the meantime, I’m seeking suggestions or recommendations for any additional tests I might consider asking about during a follow-up visit to instacare, or if it would be better to wait for my appointment with the PCP. I appreciate any insights or advice you might have. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for any responses.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 5:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing several concerning symptoms, including unexplained bruising, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, unexpected weight loss, and visual disturbances. While your initial tests came back normal, it’s important to continue monitoring your situation and seek further evaluation based on your symptoms.
Explanation
Unexplained bruising can sometimes indicate underlying issues related to blood clotting, platelet function, or other medical conditions. The additional symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, and bowel irregularities could be linked to various conditions, including metabolic or systemic ones. The visual disturbances you experienced also warrant attention.
Although your tests indicated no immediate concern, the healthcare providers may have focused more on the lipase levels, which typically relate to pancreatic issues. Be sure to keep your primary care physician informed about all these symptoms during your upcoming appointment.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Journal: Document all your symptoms, including the frequency and duration of bruising, episodes of fatigue, any bowel habits (both diarrhea and constipation), weight changes, and details of the visual disturbances. This can help your healthcare providers analyze your condition more effectively.
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Follow Up on the Slightly Elevated Lipase Level: While the medical staff addressed this during your visit, bringing it up with your primary care physician can be beneficial. Elevated lipase can suggest pancreatitis or other issues, so discussing it with an expert may warrant a deeper investigation.
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Routine Monitoring: Continue to monitor your symptoms closely. If bruising worsens, increases in number, or other severe symptoms (like severe abdominal pain or changes in vision) occur, seek further medical attention sooner.
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Consider Asking About Additional Tests: If symptoms persist or worsen before your appointment, you might inquire about tests for conditions such as:
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus or other conditions related to your symptoms)
- Thyroid function tests (as thyroid disorders can contribute to some of your symptoms)
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet, as proper nutrition can sometimes alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Your well-being is important, and while waiting for your appointment can be frustrating, being proactive in documenting and monitoring your symptoms will help guide your care. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if anything feels significantly off.
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