Mystery bruises

[dtech]

Anyone else get bruises appear without reason? I keep getting them. I haven't bumped into anything or hit them yet they just appear. Latest one is a massive one almost covering my kneecap. I was kneeling on the floor yesterday but surely that wouldn't cause a bruise? 

[bassiefromholland]

Hey Dtech,

It can be caused by some meds. I have it also, I use prednisolone, mtx, Sulfasalazine ,and more. 

Wish you all the best.

Bas

[allanah]

I'm sure your meds can make things worse but I think it would be best to talk to doc in case you need a blood test . 

[Philip]

 Hello young man, could you be lacking in iron because I know that can give you bruises, good to see you on line.

[sylvi]

I get them all the time and some horrible looking ones as well and i don't know how i have got them either.xxxx

[jane1976 in reply to sylvi]

Me too, I've got quite a large bruise on the inside of my leg, no pressure there? When I mentioned the random bruising RA nurse simply said its due to my melds!

[angel-delight in reply to sylvi]

Hi sylvie, 

I'm taking prednislone and I  have had 2 blood clots, one in each leg. When I was in hospital the Dr I was under changed my medication from wayfarin to another similar medication which is self  regulating. I no longer need to go to the wayfarin clinic for regular blood tests. I also get bruises and my gp said it is from the blood clotting medication. 

Take care Sue xx

[nomoreheels]

I've had unexplained bruising for a long time, even before RD & tests came back inconclusive but as my mum also bruised easily I've since thought maybe mine's genetic. Could be worth asking around your family if anyone else has this problem? I find anywhere pressure occurs such as the odd occasion when I kneel can result in bruising. In fact I have a bruise on the front on my hand about 4cm in diameter which appeared last night. Yesterday morning I was cleaning out from underneath the lint filter in my tumble drier (mine's listed as one of those which are faulty & I'm waiting to be informed if it will be replaced or if an engineer will modify it). Even though I clear the the filter after every use I'm especially careful to also remove lint from the vent as well & just going in & out of the cavity I've obviously caught my hand & not noticed as it didn't hurt at the time. I always have bruises on my thighs caused by when one of my dogs has been on my lap & pushing away when getting down, that doesn't hurt either but I have the bruises to show for it! I do wonder as well if we're more numb to pain having RD & we have actually bashed ourselves & just not noticed it though that doesn't answer why I've had bruising long before I was on meds. Definitely worth mentioning to your Rheumy though in case it is one of your meds, particularly if like me you take steroids which can cause the skin to thin. I do find arnica gel helps but of course that's not helping to find the cause.

[flow4]

Yes, I do too. I can't kneel any more, but when I could, it was certainly possible for me to get a bruise from doing it. I have a big one on my shin at the moment, and I have no idea why.

[dtech]

Thanks for all the replies. It's just a mystery! Lol. By coincidence I'm having an appointment with a osteopath consultant tomorrow about my back, so will ask him. And just to add to the fun I've got a knackered right hand due to using a hacksaw. Do we ever learn and remember how old we are ? 😏

[Beaches2 in reply to dtech]

Hi dtech

Are you taking steroids at the moment? I found I bruised really easily when I was having steroid injections, just a slight knock would end up with a horrible bruise and always bruises on my knees just from kneeling on them. I put it down to the skin thinning when on steroids?? 

Not had any steroid for over a year now and no problem with bruising now. I read that it takes 6 months for the skin to regain its thickness after steroid use.

[earthwitch in reply to dtech]

remember that an osteopath isn't a doctor, so wouldn't be expected to have any specialist knowledge about bruising or blood clotting.  You do need to ask a doctor about that.

[dtech in reply to earthwitch]

Oh sorry earth witch. Now you've replied I've just noticed what damned auto spell has written for me! 😡. I'm seeing a consultant doctor specialising in osteo. A bone doctor lol. I've never seen an osteopath ever. Or a chiropractor. 

Note to self: must check before hitting post! 😂

[dtech]

No steroids. I'm on mtx and sulphasalazine. And folic acid.

[Cagsie]

I've always bruised easily but been on blood thinners because of atrial fibrillation. I take you are not on any blood thinners, ie clopidogrel, apixaban etc. If not you should get it checked, just to be on the safe side. Good luck xx

[helenlw7]

I get a lot of unexplained bruises too. Large ones on my legs and small round ones on my arms. My gp says it's due to one of my medications, probably the prednisolone.

[hatshepsut]

Would advise you to get it checked out. I have massive bruises everywhere and they never clear up. Doctor thinks it's a combination of pressure existing blood  disorder, MTX. ...known side effect.....and hydroxy chloroquine.  I have given up even trying to keep track of the bruises, just the odd fleeting thought as to how on earth I could get a bruise there!!! M x