Platelets and bruises

[Bay3]

I woke up on Friday with multiple bruises on my body. One on my breast, my right thigh, my left arm and on my abdomen on both sides. I have a history of iron deficiency anemia but my last count was done 10 days ago and pretty much all was good. My WBC’s were high and my platelet count was 397. I am getting blood drawn again on Monday. I feel weak and very sore like I was beat up but of course I wasn’t. I’m concerned, should I be?

[Cammie]

Bay3

You need to discuss with your medics as there are many causes for bruises.

Yes low platelets and anemia can be a problem and bruises are a symptom of this. However with your last platelet count there should be no problem.

You need medical advice.

[Bay3 in reply to Cammie]

Thanks so much. I just don’t feel right. I’m hoping that the blood work I get on Monday will have some answers. My platelet count has been gradually increasing. I know it’s still within normal range, but something just doesn’t feel right.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to Bay3]

You mentioned that your WBCs were high, but I presume that you don't have a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)? With CLL, it's just the lymphocytes that are generally high, while other blood counts, typically red blood cells/haemoglobin and platelets are LOW. Raised WBCs are generally due to infections and allergies, not leukaemia/lymphoma, which are rare cancers.

You might need a referral to a haematologist to find out why you are experiencing spontaneous bruising despite having a healthy level of platelets if your doctor can't work out what's happening. It could be due to some medication you are taking, for example.

Neil

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to Bay3]

When we just don't feel right, it's important that we find answers from our doctors, rather than letting our minds race, or spending time with Dr. Google! It's easy to let ourselves go into avoidance mode. The issue is not whether you should be worried. You already are, and have described symptoms that have triggered that worry. I hope you get an easily treatable answer, and that it doesn't involve needing a CLL group. Let us know how you do on Monday.

[Newdawn Administrator]

Yes you definitely need a medical interpretation of this Bay taking into account your individual circumstances.

I’ve had periodic odd episodes of bruising even when my platelets were just over 150 (so on edge of low normal). I once came back from holiday with 11 bruises, some quite significant. I’ve not suffered with anaemia but my platelets are creeping well down now.

My haematologist put it down to the use of the anti-inflammatories I’d taken for joint problems. Some meds do have an impact. Also I was told it’s not just the number of platelets but their quality.

Hope you can get answers. Bruises can be very disconcerting but my medics have never been over concerned when I’ve had them.

Best Wishes,

Newdawn

[Lola69 in reply to Newdawn]

I came back from Punta Cana with 6 bruises. Fell off the boat 🚣‍♀️

Never going there again. ..

[Lola69]

Hi!

Bruises are always worrisome when we don’t know how they got there.

[W00dfin]

My oncologist explained that my bruises are not only due to low platelets (120) but also due to the low quality of the platelets.

[Ptown]

Hello friend, One idea is to take pictures of your bruises so that you can show them to your doctor in the event they have healed and not showing their "true colors". I just went through this and had my CBC three weeks ahead of schedule so my platelet count could be evaluated. DX - low platelets but so low as to take action. Hope this helps! Carolyn

[HappyDave]

Hi

It’s a common symptom of CLL that I suffer from. Mystery bruises are common place and quite dramatic at times. They appear like ink blocks and slowly spread and disappear eventually.

I don’t seem to have suffered any harm from having them.

Best of luck.

Dave.