I suffer from dark purple bruises on my arms that appear when I bump into something. I have several health problems: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, psoriatic arthritis and other minor things, and I’m on quite a few different medications – but what can I do about these ugly spots?
Bruising can be a problem as people get older. These scars form when very small blood vessels known as capillaries near the surface of the skin are damaged, allowing blood to leak out. They change color and gradually disappear until the blood cells are reabsorbed.
As we age and the skin becomes thinner, these capillaries have less protection, so even minor bumps can cause quite dramatic bruising.
Many medicines make bruising worse – these include any medicines that thin the blood or prevent clotting, which are often given for very common heart conditions, in this case clopidogrel, which is an anti-clotting medicine.
Today’s reader asked DR. ELI CANNON for help with persistent bruising that occurs every time she bumps into something, photo posted by model
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of blood cancer – the most common type of leukemia in older people.
One of the signs of this disease is bruising because the blood cells are out of order.
Dealing with this can be difficult – medication will be essential, of course, so this should continue. However, there are some steps that can help mitigate the problem.
Wearing long sleeves can help protect the skin – which is easier in winter.
Making sure the diet is as nutritious as possible can help. Sometimes, as people get older, they suffer from a loss of appetite, so it’s vital to look for things that are tasty and appealing, whatever that may be. In these cases, it’s all about calorie intake.
Bad bruises can heal faster if a cold compress is applied for 20 minutes immediately after the injury.
I am a healthy 54 year old female but was diagnosed with anterior prolapse earlier this year. The doctor said it was menopausal and there was nothing that could be done except pelvic floor exercises which I do. It’s very uncomfortable and I realize it every day. It also affects intimacy. I would appreciate any help or advice.
In a woman’s pelvis, the organs are very close to each other: the rectum is adjacent to the vagina, which in turn is adjacent to the bladder. Everything is held firmly in the scaffolding of pelvic floor muscles.
More from Dr Ellie Cannon for The Mail on Sunday…
If something weakens these muscles, such as pregnancy, menopause, or age, the organs act looser than they were before. This creates a risk of prolapse.
Anterior prolapse is when the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina. This can cause discomfort, especially during sex, and problems with urination. Patients often describe a feeling of pressure or dragging in the pelvis.
Pelvic floor exercises, which involve stretching and relaxing the muscles to strengthen them, are an initial treatment. They are not easy to perform and are more than just a squeeze every now and then. In fact, pelvic floor exercises should be undertaken like any exercise regimen, regularly and following proper instructions. In some areas, women may be referred by the NHS to Women’s Health Physiotherapy to work on these exercises properly.
Ideally, a woman with prolapse should be recommended a 16-week program of supervised pelvic floor muscle training, which she can then continue at home.
Estrogen creams, a type of HRT used as a cream in the vagina, are known to improve symptoms.
About ten months ago, shortly after my Moderna Covid vaccine, I started feeling sick. Now I get weird leg cramps and feel exhausted all the time. Could it be the blow? I am 70 and otherwise healthy.
Have a question for Dr. Eli?
Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk or write to Health, The Mail on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT.
Dr. Eli can only answer in a general context and cannot answer individual cases or give personal answers. If you have health problems, always consult your GP.
Vaccines undoubtedly save lives, but we must also recognize that in a small number of people they will have side effects. For most people, they are short-lived, not lasting nearly a year.
It is certainly possible that the muscle spasms and fatigue are related to the vaccine, but there could be something else.
New fatigue and muscle spasms in someone in their 70s should be investigated by a GP. Exhaustion or fatigue is a common symptom of a whole range of conditions, ranging from a simple thyroid condition to hidden blood loss from cancer.
Muscle spasms can also be a sign of serious problems such as Parkinson’s or MS.
It would be typical in this situation to do a battery of blood tests and possibly some more invasive muscle and nerve tests. Side effects of all medications, whether or not you can prove the cause, must be reported.
This is done through the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yellow card scheme.
There is a website for symptoms related to Covid treatment and vaccinations online (coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). A pharmacist or GP can also help.
Why do operations seem so quiet
I’ve had several letters from readers asking why their GP’s waiting room seems completely empty – despite their GP claiming to be busier than ever.
I know it doesn’t seem to make much sense. But an empty waiting room doesn’t mean a quiet operation, and it’s true that we’re busier than ever. And in most practices I know, including mine, we see most patients face-to-face.
But now we work differently. Patients are not seen one after the other as they used to be – face-to-face consultations are often interspersed with telephone consultations or dealing with multiple online enquiries.
Many of our most vulnerable patients avoid surgery and possible infections, especially at this time of year. It all adds up to a seemingly freelance practice, but we’re out there working very hard.
Hancock should be in the investigation, not the jungle
I’m amazed that former Health Secretary Matt Hancock sees fit to be on a reality TV show when the Covid inquiry has just started
Tonight I won’t be watching the new ITV series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! I’m amazed that former health secretary Matt Hancock saw fit to be on this reality show, but what appalls me the most is his timing.
The long-awaited Covid inquiry is underway as we speak and ministers may finally be held to account for their major mistakes in their response to the pandemic.
As far as I’m concerned, Mr Hancock should be in the dock, not least for breaking his own rules and the damaging impact of some of the restrictions he imposed – which continue to have consequences. I could also mention the terrible situation in nursing homes where thousands have died needlessly and the inability to get enough PPE for medical staff.
So perhaps it’s no wonder Mr Hancock would rather be on the other side of the world.
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