I think I have a blood clot [PLEASE HELP]

[scared_nut]

Hello all. I’m 16 and I need some help. For the last 3 months I have been dealing with heavy health anxiety. Throughout this time, I have been complaining about the discomfort I have on my right side. Poor circulation in my limbs, cold feet, frequent muscle spasms, tightness and pressure in joint points, neck, etc. It would make sense to go to a doctor right? Well, I did. However, because of my health anxiety, I would become caught up and focus on one thing as the cause of my visit. The two times I’ve seen my pediatrician, was to follow up my first anxiety attack and because I thought my stomach issues was colon cancer. I have also been to the ER many times because of attacks and stomach distress. However, I have done a poor job disclosing my circulation concerns because I believed it was something much more unrealistic. I am not a sporty kid and have terrible posture, to the point that I have mild scoliosis, and often stand in weird positions for long periods of time playing video games with my friends, so I see a reasonable risk. Between January and March, I had two complete blood counts, an urinalysis, a heart x-ray, and an echocardiogram procedure. All came back clear of course. As those tests can not detect a clot, unless there was one inside my heart, which lucky it is not there. My biggest problem is that I’m feeling stuck and hopeless right now. My mother is tired and frustrated with me and believes that it is all anxiety, her argument is that the tests would’ve shown. She has all the right to be frustrated and not believe me because I’ve done a poor job disclosing and identifying the real issue in time. The other issue is that I live in North New Jersey, pretty much the epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic going on. Hospitals and access to any doctor or specialist are basically off the table unless I am on the verge of death. I am terrified to let it get to that point because if it is a clot, that means I can have a stroke or PE at any second. Basically, I have “boy who cries wolf” myself into a terrible situation, and it is causing me daily distress and depression because I feel as if I’m sitting here like a ticking time bomb and there is nothing I can do. Every day is scary. I lose sleep every night searching about it. My birthday was actually yesterday and I could barely enjoy it from the distress and the discomfort. I am tired of putting my mom through this as well. I do not want to die. Sorry for making this so long. Just needed a way to get someone to hear me. I might try and find a way to contact my pediatrician today by email to see if she can help me somehow. I hope everyone is being safe and taking care of themselves in these times.

 

[Bobnnat]

Sorry to hear how you are emotionally suffering. I’m not medically trained, but I believe a blood clot gives strong warning, such as very obvious discolouration. Your admitted bad posture and scoliosis can explain your pain, likely muscular from the way you stand. I’m sure you can get a phone appointment with your doctor. Sounds like a 2 minute conversation will let him know you’re fine and hopefully you will be convinced. BTW at 16 you have no chance of having colon cancer.

 

[TruthHurts]

Happy Belated birthday, I am sure you are a healthy young man. Your test didn't indicate high cholesterol. I'm sure your arteries are pretty clean and your blood is flowing just fine. The test you took would have let the doctors know if there was anything for you to be alarmed about. Good luck and think positive thoughts.

 

[naboudre]

PEs were my fear (still are) for the longest time! I went to the hospital to get checked out well over 20+ times for it. I’ve been doing that since 2013. It’s my left side that always hurts. My left leg, arm, neck, head... just my left side. I’ve been thoroughly convinced for years that I’ve had clots. I’ve also had every test to look for them. X-Rays, ultrasounds, d-dimer blood tests... there are none there. My left side is just tight. I have severe sciatica on that side as well as a strained cervical muscle in my neck from whiplash years ago. I also carry ALL my stress on that side. How do I know that? It’s the reason why all my pain is there. I KNOW it’s hard to believe right now, but please please trust me when I tell you that you’re OK. You would have other severe symptoms if you’d have a blood clot for that long. Plus you’re super super young. I promise you’re ok.
Please message me if you ever feel like your feelings aren’t being heard and you need someone to talk to. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re a burden on your family because of your anxiety.
hang in there.