spontaneous bruising?

[Iheartlego]

Hi all - I had a catheter closure of a hole in my heart about 4 weeks ago. Since then have been struggling feeling very spaced out and headachy. Cardiologist thinks it could be related to migraines (which I suffered with pre closure) so she has prescribed Clopidogrel as apparently this can help. I’ve been taking since Wednesday and since then seem to have spontaneous bruising appearing!! First it was on my hand and now the back of my leg has a huge bruise! I know bruising is a side effect but I don’t remember hitting these areas at all!! Is this normal?! Thanks all!

[Blackcatsooty]

I love clopidogrel. Migraines have become a rarity, TIAs now nil and general headaches much reduced. Yes I bleed a lot if I cut or even scratch. I only bruise slightly more than before, but overall Clopiwhatsit is adorable.

Oh, and it is likely to reduce heart problems and stroke.

Sooty

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you are taking anti platelet or anticoagulant medication such as Clopidogrel or low dose aspirin, it is easy to become bruised, and, as you say, you often don't know how it happened. You may also find that if you cut yourself it is more difficult to stop the bleeding. So if you live an active life, you have to put up with it, but the positive is that it is reducing your heart health risk.

[devonian186]

With clopidogrel you only have to look at a hard surface and you will come up in a bruise.

You need to be careful and avoid knocking anything. Generally you will be on it for a specific time. Has your doctor said how long that might be?

[Iheartlego in reply to devonian186]

Thanks for the reply! Not sure how long I will be on it. Initially cardiologist was only going to give me aspirin post the ASD closure but with the reaction my body has had with headaches etc we agreed it was worth a go to add Clopidogrel. Still not feeling better but it’s early days! 🤞

[Sewingpumpkin]

Some of my bruises were amazing. My favourite was holding my upper arm and leaving a handprint. I think it’s best to look at the positive effects of it when you get a bruise

[Jules2021]

Hi. When i was on ticagralor for 12 months post heart attack, i bruised from thinking about banging myself on something lol Even scratching an itch or rubbing it caused a massive bruise sometimes. I just got used to it and looked on the positive side that it was doing its job.Good luck. Jules

[Survivor1952]

Yes, perfectly normal. I'm on Ticagrelor for a year (7 months to go), and I get bruises appear for very little or no reason or I simply cannot recall bumping myself. One was a wristband being too tight for a couple of hours, a massive one on the back of my leg, then there's the pair on my nose that match the bridge of my glasses ...

Little cuts and scratches can be nasty, cut my ankle with a fingernail whilst taking off a sock and it bled for a good 15 minutes. I carry plasters with me whenever I can.

I look on it as a way of reminding me that I should be grateful to still be here.