What could be causing this bruising?

[HarryPotterFan436]

I have always bruised easily but it seems at the moment I am getting lots of small bruises on my arms, legs and hips. I first noticed them in Feb. I had a blood test in the middle of last month and my results were ok. The doctor suggested I get some over the counter iron as my ferritin is 22. My tsh was 4 so I have asked him to up my thyroxine which he has done. But what else could be causing these bruises? I am getting very concerned by them.

[Montybojangles]

Did they check your B12? It could be you are low. I’m on replacement therapy and I notice I bruise more as I’m coming up to my injection being due.

[HarryPotterFan436]

No unfortunately not. I asked if they would check my b12 but apparently they no longer do that in this area.

[HarryPotterFan436]

He said something about blood cells having to be the wrong shape or something in order for them to be allowed to test my B12

[Montybojangles]

That sounds a bit pants. Maybe check with the practice nurse, they can be a bit more amenable to sensible testing. Mine is low as I have crohns, so can’t absorb it well from my gut, nothing to do with my red blood cells. I also take lansoprazole which can interfere with B12 absorption, do you take anything like that? Hope you figure it out soon.

[HarryPotterFan436]

I occasionally take ranitidine but it really isn't very often so I wouldn't have thought that would be the issue. I did used to take a large dose daily but that was some years ago now. Hmmm maybe the practice nurse will be an option. I did consider going to our urgent care to see if I can see another GP or nurse. They wont allow us to book in for second opinions with another doctor here.