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Does Dark Bruising On The Hip Indicate Trauma While Binge Drinking Alcohol?
I am 47, not overweight, and in generally good health; however, I use chewing tobacco (15+ years) and have drank vodka in binges of 1-2 evenings every week or two for the last 5 years - mainly when I travel for work and stay in hotels. This morning I flew from Indianapolis to Boston, worked all day, got a salad at Subway tonight, and drank approximately a half pint of vodka. I had a headache this afternoon, so I took (2) Aleve at about 2 pm(12 hours ago). Most every day I take 1 in the am and 1 in the pm for mechanical/arthritic pain). I don t recall having any trauma, however, a few minutes ago I got up, & had a normal bowel movement, but I noticed dark bruising in a circular shape near my left hip where my fat roll/love handle is. I have burnt the candle at both ends for many years, and haven t had much rest/sleep lately especially the last 3-4 weeks. I had already stopped drinking earliertoday. , but since I noticed it, it has worried me so I have felt a bit light headed (I ve know I need to take better care of myself). It is possible that it could have been trauma at some point today - but I don t remember any events. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman with the Marine Corps in the 1990 s. Is there anything I should be worried about? Tomorrow I will be moving about doing my job here (Visiting 5 separate buildings to inspect the construction of each.
Wed, 11 Apr 2018
Hello,
Unexpected bruises can be associated with binge drinking. The combination of pain suppression along with balance and memory impairment while under the influence of alcohol could result in an individual bumping into something or even falling and not remembering the incident.
Also an injury may not feel painful from alcohol suppressing pain, so what may have seemed to be an insignificant bump or fall may not hurt, but could lead to a significant bruise in spite of limited or no pain. An isolated bruise is most likely from some kind of injury.
If a patient begins experiencing multiple bruises, petechiae or purpura or easy bruising, then concern would be present for possible problems with clotting from low platelets, or other causes.
Worsening of pain, increases in swelling, more bruises without apparent causes all would be indicators for a patient to seek evaluation with at least a primary care provider.
I would recommend that someone who binge drinks and uses chewing tobacco take steps to stop both, since individually, and especially as a combination, they can lead to serious health problems like oral cancer, liver disease and trauma.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matthew Jones
Unexpected bruises can be associated with binge drinking. The combination of pain suppression along with balance and memory impairment while under the influence of alcohol could result in an individual bumping into something or even falling and not remembering the incident.
Also an injury may not feel painful from alcohol suppressing pain, so what may have seemed to be an insignificant bump or fall may not hurt, but could lead to a significant bruise in spite of limited or no pain. An isolated bruise is most likely from some kind of injury.
If a patient begins experiencing multiple bruises, petechiae or purpura or easy bruising, then concern would be present for possible problems with clotting from low platelets, or other causes.
Worsening of pain, increases in swelling, more bruises without apparent causes all would be indicators for a patient to seek evaluation with at least a primary care provider.
I would recommend that someone who binge drinks and uses chewing tobacco take steps to stop both, since individually, and especially as a combination, they can lead to serious health problems like oral cancer, liver disease and trauma.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matthew Jones
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