Question:
I am getting bruises everywhere and they stay forever. What could be the cause?

I am having a horrible time with bruising, it seems like bruises come from nowhere and stay on my body for weeks? Should I let my surgeon know about this? Or is this common? I am very worried, it just doesn't seem normal. For those that answer thank you..    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 4, 2000)

April 4, 2000
Are you pre-op or post-op? If you are pre-op, you should check into this problem since it might affect your bleeding during surgery and your ability to heal after surgery. If you are post-op, you should get your blood levels checked since this could indicate low iron or vit C levels.
   — Lynn K.

April 4, 2000
Are you hypothyroid? I am and when my levels are off, I bruise very easily and they stay a long time. If I were you, I would definitely get in to see the doctor and have them draw some blood. Whether it's anemia or hypothyroidism, they're both easily fixed. Good luck!
   — Candace S.

April 4, 2000
Hello,Yes you should let your surgeon know. It could be from not enough protein. I notice that now I bruise easier and ever little cut or scrap that I scar from it. Good Luck to You. Tina
   — Tina F.

April 4, 2000
Please notify the doc as soon as possible. Bruising can be a sign of a low hemoglobin and hematacrit or a low platelet count. Get it checked out. Are you feeling unusually tired? Good luck See ya, Sue [email protected]
   — Sue M.

April 4, 2000
Your bruising is not related to low hemoglobin, but probably associated with something that is awry with your clotting factors. Are you taking heparin to prevent blood clots from forming? Are you taking a lot of aspirin? Both of these medications interfere with the blood's ability to clot. You could also have a vitamin K deficiency or as the other person said, problems with being hypo thyroid. In any case, please go see your doctor asap. It should be easily corrected with the proper treatment. Good luck
   — Valerie B.

April 7, 2000
I agree with some of the other answers, vitiman C depletion could be the problem or some of the other reasons. Since it is easy to become deficient in different vitimans & minerals post-op. Definately a matter for your Dr. to check.
   — Rosella H.

November 24, 2002
hello, congrats on your decision for the surgery i have just completed my 1st consult. my prob is very low blood platelets no reason just low and that causes me to bruise all the time and it takes wks to go away. i have requested info from anyone else that has this prob. if my platelets dont go up the surgeon will not operate on me :(. ask your doc. to do a platlet count on you. who knows and i think not sure but i have been told B12 helps that. i need to ask my doctor. good luck! and best wishes maureen
   — Maureen A.