Is This Truly Normal? I Just Can’t Wrap My Head Around It
I’m a 34-year-old woman weighing 190 lbs, with a background of gestational diabetes on two occasions and two cesarean deliveries. Since 2020, I have been battling frequent illnesses along with systemic symptoms that persistently flare up. Currently, I’m on the following medications: - Abilify 5mg - Wellbutrin XL 150mg - Adderall 20mg IR - Lamictal 150mg Despite my repeated blood tests coming back mostly normal (my iron levels are fine, and the ANA test was negative), I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. I constantly find myself with new unexplained bruises, and it’s becoming increasingly alarming. Each morning I awaken to fresh bruises that don’t hurt at all. I’m not engaging in any activities that could possibly lead to bruising. I’m at a loss regarding my next steps since all my lab results seem normal. I often feel unwell and I’m exhausted from the lack of answers, making me feel rather overwhelmed and anxious.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 10:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing frustrating and concerning symptoms, particularly unexplained bruising and persistent feelings of illness despite normal lab results. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious in this situation. Let’s break this down and explore your possible next steps.
Main Points:
- Unexplained bruising and systemic symptoms can have various causes.
- Normal lab results do not necessarily rule out underlying conditions.
- It's important to take proactive steps to gain clarity on your health.
Explanation:
Frequent unexplained bruising can occur for several reasons. It might be linked to medications you’re taking, certain nutritional deficiencies, or potentially another underlying condition that hasn’t yet been identified. Medications like Adderall and others can affect blood clotting or platelet function, while fatigue can sometimes be a result of hormonal changes or stress-related issues.
Since your blood tests for iron and autoimmune markers (ANA) are normal, it may be beneficial to explore other possibilities, including:
- Platelet Count: A complete blood count (CBC) can help understand if platelet levels are low, which would contribute to easy bruising.
- Medications and Interactions: All the medications you're on might interact or have side effects that lead to bruising. A review of these with a healthcare provider may help identify potential issues.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when new bruises appear, any other accompanying symptoms, and potential triggers (diet, stress, new activities) to present to your healthcare provider. This can help spot patterns that may not be evident at first glance.
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Nutritional Considerations: Evaluate your diet to ensure it's rich in vitamins C and K, and stable in antioxidants. These nutrients play a role in blood vessel strength and healing processes.
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Consult About Medications: Schedule a review of your current medications with a healthcare provider. Discuss the possibility of side effects or interactions that could lead to your symptoms, and explore alternatives if necessary.
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Consider Additional Testing: If symptoms persist, suggest to your healthcare provider the need for targeted tests like a CBC or specific tests for clotting disorders (like PT, PTT, and platelet function tests) to rule out underlying issues.
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Mental Health Support: Given your feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, connecting with a mental health professional could provide coping strategies to manage stress while you seek answers about your physical health.
Remember, it's important to advocate for your health and voice your concerns to ensure that you get the necessary support and answers you need. You're not alone in this, and taking these steps may help you feel more empowered.
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