Bruising??

Hey everyone!! I have a question for anyone out there who has had similar experiences or has any insight at all to share. For the past two months, I have been covered in bruises. It was ok when long sleeve and blue jean weather was here because I could cover them. But now that summer is approahing, I am concerned. I have always bruised easily. Lots of my family members bruise easily so I figured it was just something that runs in the family. Now, since surgery, I have noticed that I have bruises more often. I can barely bump into something and I get a bruise. I was leaning against the counter that other day while a friend of mine washed dishes and I noticed the next day that I had a small bruise and the only thing I can figure is that it came from the pressure of leaning against the counter. I am concerned that I may be lacking a vitamin or something that I need. I was thinking of having bloodwork done but I wanted to check on here first and see if anyone has had similar experiences or may know what might be causing this. Any help or information is appreciated!   Karen

I experienced this in the ever popular honeymoon phase....this is what I found Causes

Bruises occur as a result of a blood vessel breaking and leaking blood into the skin. Superficial bruises are caused by bumps, pinches and suction, and deeper-lying bruises are the result of *sprains, falls or broken *bones. Some people are particularly prone to bruising. Susceptibility increases with *anemia and *obesity. Bruises also indicate that the blood vessel walls are brittle or the blood-clotting factors are inadequate. A sudden tendency to bruising often indicates a more serious illness such as *leukemia. Easy bruising will occur if the blood-platelet count is low because of blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants). With hemophilia, the soft tissue around the *joints bruises without an injury being apparent. Fragile blood vessels are caused by a lack of vitamin C and bioflavonoids  my dr even drew blood to check my plateletts hope this helps.............i dont bruise as bad now almost 7 yrs post op tabbykat

Hey! Thanks for the information. I have a cousin who had lukemia when she was two (she's 22 now)  but is in complete remission. I get a little nervous over the bruising because of that. I'm sure that's not the problem though! I think I may have a vitamin problem. I am taking two Flintstones vitamins a day but I am wondering if I need to take an adult strength vitamin? What do you think? What kind do you take?    Karen

Hi Karen, Tammy is right, vitamin C is an important vitamin for so many reasons, including cell wall health. Bruising is nothing but broken vessels under the skin that bleed under the skin. There is also talk that the lack of  Vitamin K is also a contributor.  Check to see if your multi vitamin has Vit K in it, but you should be getting about 80 mg a day.  Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin, but as a bander, you don't have fat malabsorbtion  issues, so if you're getting all that you need from your multi, you should be ok.  I'd start either taking a C supplement or adding an orange or glass of juice to your daily menu. Hope you get this cleared up before the true short sleeve weather comes! Hugs

Hi Susan! Thanks for the insight! I am getting tired of being covered in bruises. I guess I am gonna go have some blood drawn at my PCP to see if he can give me a definate reason as to why this brusing is increasing so much. Good idea about the juice. I think I will start having a glass at breakfast to see if that helps some. I always stayed away from it because Dr. Wellborn's office says no liquid calories and I know juice has calories as well as extra sugar. I think I might try it though because I still come in every day under my calorie limit so this might not hurt too bad. I will have to check on the Vitamin K. I take 2 Flintstone vitamins a day. Do you think I should switch to an adult strength? What do you take and how much do you take?   Karen

Ok, here's my standard disclaimer before I answer your question: I'm not a doctor, nutritionist, dietician, psychologist, therapist, veterinarian, or any other trained person who's title ends in ist, or ian.  LOL I take Wal-mart brand Centrum adult vitamins....one in the a.m., another at bed.  Children's vitamins are meant for children and fine when we are newly post-op because they are chewable and they're easy to take. Because you are a bander and don't have problems with absorbing, you might get away with one adult vitamin a day, but would it hurt you to take two?  I don't think so.  When your body gets what it wants, the rest will just flush away, if you know what I mean.  I agree with Dr Wellborn that you shouldn't drink your calories, generally, but we're not talking milk shakes and full sugar soda here. Juice is more bioavailable than Vitamin C tablets, so if it doesn't bother you, have a small glass every day.  I've forgotten, can banders drink with their meals?  We can't at all, so you'll know that better than me. A call or trip to your pcp's office might not be a bad idea to ask about the bruising. Labs at 6 months aren't out of order. It will also give you a baseline to go by from now on.  Gotta keep an eye on those labs!!! Take care,

hi karen, bruising is caused by either low platelet counts or blood thinners and numerous other causes. u need to talk to ur doc. about your platelet count or platelet function and your coagulation studies such as pt. or ptt. was a lab tech for 25 years so i do know a little about it. brenda in alma

Hey Brenda! Thanks! I am concerned and have gotten a lot of good advice on here. I think I am gonna make an appointment with my PCP for next week just to be on the safe side. I'm sure its a problem with a simple solution. We'll see I guess! How are you doing?   Karen

I still take my 2 flintstones every day........7 years later..... i agree with susan....I dont drink the juice for me it is too many carbs.....and right now my trainer is watching everything that goes into my mouth.....hope he does not find out about my 4 jelly beans a day........he might make me do an extra mile on the treadmill.

like I said .....my bruising has slowed alot the longer I am post op. My 21 yr old niece lost alot of weight on her own and is also experienceing this.....it seemed to be for me in the first 3 years that it was really bad. Just a simple touch and a big ole bruise came up. Now it takes a little more before I get one. well I hope you find a solution.........you can always ask your dr too. hope this helped. take care tabbykat