the results of my independent, and totally unscientific test results are in!
I have been trying to figure out why I've started getting those big, ugly, blood, bruises on my arms and legs, again!
Back before Christmas, when I was on much higher doses of Pred, I wasn't getting them so often... barley any, actually! When I reduced my Pred to 9.5/9.0, they started to come back, with a vengeance!
It's the OMEGA III
I have always taken a high dose of Omega III, however, last Fall, I was running low and began taking only one capsule a day and not two a day. I ran out eventually and with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas I never ordered more; so for a period of time I was taking NONE!
My skin was bruise free!
In January, not putting 2 + 2 together... I ordered more and by February I was once again covered with huge blood bruises all over my arms and legs!
To test my theory, I stoped taking them all together, and I am happy to report I have only a lot of yellow/green remnants of what used to be horrible, blood red bruises on my arms and legs.
I'm sure most of you know this... I think I knew it too, but had stupidly forgotten!
I didn't know this either, interesting. I see you say you have 'always' taken this. Even before taking pred? Wonder if the combo is the problem 🤔 Glad you have found what was causing your bruises.
Hi M - pleased for you !! - one less 'bother'. I haven't taken Omega 3's as a matter of course as I try to get 'enough' by eating oily fish reasonably regularly . But since my flare I have had much worse bruising again - just small knocks leave my hands looking awful - and I assumed it was the higher dose - but maybe as your experience suggests there is more to it ... it seems there is always 'more' to almost everything !! (LOL)
For years I have had fresh salmon or trout, canned red salmon and sardines all twice weekly and daily flaxseed oil and hemp oil. These all have generous amounts of omega3, but I never experienced blood spots under the skin until I was on pred.
That is so interesting! I am currently on aspirin as blood thinners following my knee replacement and of course have noticed more bruising. I have only just started back on my Omega 3’s. I am on thinners for another week so will watch what happens after that.
Yes, pretty well thanks. Bad day yesterday, but they happen. I have truly defied all the naysayers’ predictions of doom that I was too high risk for one joint replacement surgery, let alone 4!!
I would love some snow with the sun here..... I would like a week of minus temps. I might have to get my spiky ice shoe thingy and my crutch spike but just to have a real winter week would be great.
It’s a beautiful day Poops! The sun has been shining since early morning, the birds are singing, it’s really quite warm in the sun. Why would you not want this?🥶
It's been gorgeous... But i would like a beautuful week or two anticyclonic weather with nice dry, sunny cold days. That lovely feeling when you hVe a walk and return home all red faced (not from pred for a change) and cold. Most days have been far too humid and/or wet.
You need to move up here! I drove down to Perthshire today from the Highlands and on the way down the mountains were covered in snow and there was blue sky and sun all the way. Makes you feel so much better. February was pretty horrible though, mild and wet. Winter is late!
I thought it had turned into 2 seasons: wet and cold, wet and less cold. Unless you are in the SE in which case it may be hot and humid on occasions ...
Wasn't it great , after all the rain yesterday to wake up to beautiful Dorset sunshine , fingers crossed not to much rain over the weekend , glad your recovery seems to be going well xx
But there a lot of anecdotal reports of omega3s leading to increased bruising - would be interesting to know what other medications and supplements people who experience it are on.
I have taken Omega 6 (anti inflammatory) for about 25 years, and added 3 about 15 years ago. The preparation I take now has 9 too. I know for sure that when I stop taking it, my arthritic pains are much worse and it takes about 3 weeks to get back to normal. I recently had a heart attack and have added both aspirin and clopidogrel to my daily drug cocktail. I have had no abnormal bruising before prednislone, with prednisolone or with the blood thinner and anti platelet meds. I also take a multi vitamin/mineral per day.
I bruise easily from eating various foods, and the prednisone did not make any difference. If you google blood thinning foods there are good listings. Fish oil pills, Vit E pills, walnuts, olive oil, antiinflammatories like Advil and Aleve, etc. Lots of foods to experiment with for those that have this issue!
I am glad that it worked for you, but sorry to dispute your theory... I don't take Omega3 supplements and still bruise, even at the low dose of 2mg.... or maybe I should start with Omega3 supplements for a while and then stop
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Update after getting to see rheumy
Worried About (Possible) Recent Diagnosis of PMR. 
Back on Prednisolone 
Symptoms reduced but ESR/CRP unchanged 
The methotrexate experiment
