getting loads of bruises

Hi iv got under active thyroid on levo just noticed got bruises on both my elbows,know it sounds weird but they feel funny and out of shape like theres a big lump there and feels boney any ideas?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Hypothyroidism most certainly can be associated with petechiae, purpura and ecchymosis. At least that is what the medics call them. Have a look at these links for a start:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purpura

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecchy...

Note that ecchymoses look like bruises but occur without suffering anything to cause them.

The underlying issue is probably because the clotting of your blood is not working 100%. It is something to be concerned about - not so much from what you can see but because other damage can occur.

These things are quite common when you are hypothyroid.

I cannot explain the big lump or boney feel... Sorry.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

so do i need to see the GP it frightned me when i saw it arms and hands feel tingley now getting bloods done this wednesday dont have it done at GPs but at the hospital then they send results to GP or can i leave it till my results which will be in a week.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hidden]

It is very difficult to answer that question properly. (Remember, I have no medical background, so do not rely on me!)

I suggest it depends how bad it is and whether it is changing. If it worsens then do get some advice sooner.

In anyone who is getting tingling, I suggest that you get a vitamin B12 test (and folates). Ask your GP when you see him about the results.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Having alot of test done on wednesday which are B12,ESR,full blood count(FBC) Serum ferrtin,Serum Folate Renal and eGFR and Thyroid function oh and TSH and FT4 just hope they can find a vein because thats alot of blood they need lol.

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Is it usual for them to have difficulty finding a vein? This often happens in hypo people. Very difficult to find mine. I found the solution was to drink a lot of water before the test. Then, just before leaving the house I run hot water over my arms then wrap up well to keep the heat in. Works a treat.

Grey

[rookery in reply to greygoose]

yes - I have difficulty in that department too - veins go diving for cover under the assault of yet another needle!

I drink plenty of water before going. Also, I get them to use a butterfly needle rather than a rigid needle attached directly to a container. The butterfly needle is a needle with a small regulator and flexible tube that fits to the container. The needle is finer and more flexible which means they can chase the veins and prevent them collapsing so easily. Problem is that you have to ask for one of the senior nurse practitioners as it is not something that all nurses are trained to do (therefore increased time before appointment). If all else fails (and I have the needle marks in both arms to prove it............) then they will go for the veins in my hands, again with a butterfly needle. Aiming outside the elbow area can only be done by a senior nurse practitioner or a doctor, not the regular nurse.

[Hidden]

Hi, a new Dr. noticed I had a number of bruises and gently implied that someone else had done them. I told her that the slightest knock bruises appear, sometimes they appear without me knowing I had had a knock.

This was 4 years before I was diagnosed with hypo. Turned out to be Hagermans syndrome factor 12 I think it is, something to do with blood clotting.

There are so many different blood problems!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thankyou for your reply have a few bloodtest tomorrow see what happens also had the coil removed 3 weeks ago seem to be having symptoms from that,just think its all going to take time.

[Hidden]

You're not kidding fletch. I'm sick and tired of been sick an tired xx