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Bruising on legs?

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Posted 3/28/2014 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Lately the rate at which I'm gaining new signs and symptoms seems to be accelerating.

The newest one is what is happening to my legs. I'm used to chronic pain and allodynia throughout my whole body, but this is different. My legs feel VERY tender and sore and swollen. They don't look swollen... But they do look bruised. I keep getting bruises all over my legs that fade in and out. A bruise will be there for a few hours, disappear for another few hours, then come back again. Even when you can't see the bruises, my legs still feel just as tender, swollen and painful. Again, there is no swelling but just the sensation of swelling.

This has been developing and worsening over the last fortnight to the point where I can't ignore it now, because it's so painful.

What is causing this? Is it related to Lyme or one of its co-infections?
Posted 3/29/2014 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, this has happened to me as well, now. Actually, for awhile, I had bruises all over my body. It used to be, that if anyone practically touched me, I would get a bruise. I think my blood clotting factors tested normal, though sometimes I bleed like a pig.

I've heard that a deficiency in Vitamin K can cause this.

Margaret
Posted 3/29/2014 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
I have developed bruises easily ever since I got sick. I'll look into vitamin K deficiency, thanks. What's new for me is bruises appearing for seemingly no reason.
Posted 3/29/2014 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
A protozoa infection such as Bebesia or malaria can cause this. The vectors bind to each other causing blood cots and this in turn can diminish the blood supply to the legs.

Another thing that can cause this is Atherosclerosis. Lyme and it co-infections can cause hardening of the arteries.

Metronidazole seems to alleviate some of these symptoms as well as some natural herbs such as Cryptolepis and Artemisinin.
Posted 3/29/2014 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Healing98, that is very interesting and confirms that I should continue with being tested for Lyme and its coinfections.

Actually, after reading another post about infections, I'm wondering if I might have Thrombocytoplenia, because I have the symptoms:
Unexpected bruising
Small purple or red spots under the skin, called petechia
Bleeding from the nose or gums
Heavier than usual menstrual periods in women
Black or bloody bowel movements or red- or pink-colored urine
Bloody vomit (well, I don't get this symptom)
Severe headaches
Dizziness
Pain in the joints or muscles
Increased weakness
Posted 3/29/2014 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by some sort of issue with blood platelets. Bartonella and Babesia both infect red blood cells so I can see how that would mimic Thrombocytopenia.

Have you had a CBC done? If so, has this shown that you have a platelet issue?

Many people with Lyme find that they need to supplement with vitamin B12 and/or a Vitamin B complex, which includes Folate. It is possible that if you have Thrombocytopenia, that your bone marrow is not making enough platelets due to a folate or vitamin B12 insufficiency.
Posted 3/29/2014 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Jasmine Grace, I went over your last post and saw that you are having GI issues with blood. Is your doctor aware of this? It can be serious and something that I think should be treated right away. Are you on any PPIs, acid reducers, or taking any medicine that can be causing ulcers such as Aspirin or other NSAIDS?

If you have not seen a Hematologist, I would suggest seeing one to make sure things are OK with your blood.
Posted 3/29/2014 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
One of the blood tests my doctor has ordered is a complete blood count, and I'm awaiting the results.

I take Naproxen when I have severe pain, and I used to take antacids although I haven't taken those for a couple months now.

The doctor prescribed a vitamin B complex for me but the pharmacy hasn't gotten it in yet.

It's not easy to get in to see a specialist here in Australia, but I'll ask the GP about a referral.
Posted 3/29/2014 9:49 AM (GMT 0)
What exactly do you mean by GI issues with blood?
Posted 3/29/2014 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Black or bloody bowel movements or red- or pink-colored urine and Bloody vomit are not normal. The vomit and bloody bowel movements indicates some type of internal bleeding. It can be GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers, or a tear in the digestive tract. You mention that you are taking Naproxen. Naproxen is an NSAID and they are known to cause bleeding ulcers. Has your doctor done or requested an endoscopy? What about a colonoscopy? Both can help you determine if there is some type of bleeding in your digestive tract. The bloody bowel movements can be something as benign as irritated hemorrhoids or it can be something that needs attention.

You should call your doctor if he/she is not aware of your bleeding symptoms and see if they can check it for you as soon as possible.
Posted 3/29/2014 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Healing that's good info. btw, one of the ways I found out I had c. diff. the first time was that my stools were black, and I was anemic.

Are you a nurse? Yes, Naproxen is bad news, but the morphine derivatives upset the tummy as well. I can't take any of those, so I'm in pain quite often.

Being a celiac can cause long-term problems as well. Make sure the food you eat is dedicated gluten free, ie made in a gluten free facility.

Margaret
Posted 3/29/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I occasionally get a teeny bit of blood in my stool - but for me it is nothing to worry about.

I did have the heavy periods, the random bruising, the petechia, and the random bruising cleared almost immediately once I started a good vitamin B12 that was a pretty high dose. The heavy period cleared up with lyme treatment, and the petechia are from my lyme friends - I don't believe those go away.
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