<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dear List: I recently experienced, for the third time in my life, an episode of constant bruising, joint pain, swelling of the feet and ankles, and a general lack of energy. This time there were differences: I was just finishing radiation therapy (which might cause low platelets) and also had just increased my intake of soy, in the hope that it would act as an estrogen block. Blood work done by a hematologist revealed slight traces of the antibody that destroys platelets in one's own blood. In desperation, I asked him if there were nutritional guidelines to prevent this condition. He said to avoid taking Vitamin E supplements. Looking up vitamin E I find that there is lots of it in soy. Yet another Eureka. It is another instance of what plagues many of us on this list: disturbing symptoms with mysterious causes that do not show up on the type of tests that are standard diagnostic tools. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this list. It has been very helpful in putting two and two together--a useful skill, under the circumstances. I will happily summarize any responses to this post. Nancy in nyc