Low Platelet and Spreading Bruise

[bjmt]

My family member has Hep C and liver damage.  He has low platelete count.  He fell onto a railing post and it poked his lower left back which caused him to fall foward and hit is forehead.  He got a buise on his forehead which has gone away.  This was 7 days ago.  But he then got two black eyes, which are getting better.  The place on his back that he fell onto had a dark red point with a small bruise the day this happened.  Over the past seven days, the bruise has gotten big.  It is at least a foot and a half long, going from the left of his backbone around toward the front of his stomach.  The color has not gotten lighter at all.  It is still a dark purple.  The bruise is about 8 inches wide.  He refuses to see a doctor, says it is getting better, is feeling better.  My concern is knowing that he has a low platelet count, could this mean something more serious such as continued bleeding, or is it like he thinks, which is having a low platelet count means it will just take longer to heal?  Thank you.

[Kalio1]

It's always best to have the doctor take a look, but my experience has been that with low platelets I bruised easier and more severely. A little bump on the arm would look like I'd smashed my arm. What normally wouldn't have left a bruise did, if I fell down or something like he did then I'd get an enormous awful looking bruise. They don't hurt more though.

[tulsatime]

The nurse last time I went in took blood in my arm, which I usually use my hand. It turned purple then black. was the size if a half dollar and lasted 2 weeks. And she used a small needle. That was just a little *****. I can imagine if I fell down and really got hurt. My platelets are low, last time they was 70. This time they couldn't get a reading and I have to go back next week. I hope he doing better now. Take care, Debi
PS but just in case I would show the Dr and make sure there is no interal bleeding in his back. sounds painful.

[bjmt]

Thank you for your insight.  He won't go to the doctor.  I just need advice based on experience to know how persistent I should be.  Again, thank you.