DEAR DR. GOTT: My mother is 63 and doesn’t take anticoagulants or OTC pain relievers but bruises for no apparent reason. An area of her body will begin to itch and then bruise. The bruise follows the normal course of color change and then disappears.
Her eye doctor saw “floaters” in her eye and sent her to a specialist because he thought she had a detached retina. After testing, it was discovered her “floaters” were flecks of blood.
She read in one of your previous columns that rutin could help with bruising. Since starting it, her eyes have improved, but bruises still appear on her body. Her physician does not take her seriously. Do you have idea or suggestions about what could be going on?
DEAR READER: Your mother needs to undergo thorough testing and examination. Is she on any over-the-counter medications, supplements or herbals other than the rutin? Does she have any other health concerns or conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes?
If her doctor is unwilling to look into this, it is time to find a new one. You might begin with a referral to a hematologist (blood specialist), who can test her for possible underlying causes, such as a clotting disorder.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and sent to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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