Can anyone explain this?

[sulldawga]

DVT is the closest thing I can think of but I was wondering if anyone can confirm. This extremely strange so bare with me.

First I will explain the symptoms.  Majority of the time I experience pain in between my should and elbow in my right or left arm (sometimes both). Two nights ago I had extreme pain in both along with the back of my neck and shoulders (including traps). The best way I can describe the pain is it feels like the circulation is cut off or someone is squeezing my arms very tight. The pain is some times excruciating to a point where I can not even sit still. This last episode kept me up all night to a point where I almost lost my mind. I tried advil and other pain relievers. Aleve seems to work best, but not all the time.  When I am experiencing this, it comes in waves. If I lay or sit still it is constant. If I am standing or walking it will seems like it goes away, then escalates, then goes away.  

Strange right? It gets worse. This only happens:

- If I have been swimming (pool, lake, beach etc.)
- If I have consumed alcohol

You are probably thinking, ok this guy has alcohol issues. Well I rarely drink. This past weekend I was on vacation so just like most people, I will have a few beverages when on vacation. When I do start to feel the pain. I drink water continuously.  These episodes usually last anywhere between 6-10hrs.

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?  How would swimming trigger something like this? The other night I seriously wanted to put a gun to my head it was so extreme.


Thanks in advance :)

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Do you still experience your symptoms? Deep vein thrombosis usually present with pain and swelling, warmth over the affected area, and changes in the skin color, such as turning pale, red or blue. To determine if it is DVT or not, direct clinical examination and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, blood tests, venography  and CT or MRI scans may be done. The pain could also be due to musculoskeletal issues especially if you were swimming prior to the pain. If it persists, have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.

[gymdandee]

I don't think you have DVT! superficial thrombophlebitis. Superficial thrombosis affects only a localized area thus, the symptoms are only present in the local area of the body. It cannot cause pulmonary embolism thus, deep venous thrombosis is more dangerous than superficial thrombosis.