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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.