I don't know what's going on here....

[Megan]

About two weeks ago I noticed a blind spot in my eye and went to the optomotrist to check it out.  He saw something but was not sure what and sent me to the Eye Clinic at the hospital.  They found a blood clot and didn't seem worried about it (retinal vein occlusion).  Over the next week and a half I started to feel rotten all the time: headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue, chest pressure, and chest pain.  I went to the doctor again and ended up in the hospital because they were checking for another clot.  I was told I had a chect infection and anxiety and was given Amoxycillan and sent home after a few days.  I also have low iron (10.4).  They took blood and are still running tests, including one for Thrombophilia.  While the Amoxycillan seems to be working, I am still terrified.  Sometimes my right leg hurts (but it didn't in the hospital!), but other times it is fine; for the last couple of days my scalp has been sore (weird, I know).  The blind spot in my eye hasn't gone away, although I was told that the clot was gone/nearly gone.  I am in the UK right now and I am going to be going back to the States soon, which is an eight hour plane journey.  I have heard bad things about being on cramped airplanes for hours!  Am I just getting carried away with my anxiety, or did that clot in the eye come from somewhere else and should I still be worried about it??

--Megan

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Megan,
You should be sure to get up and walk around every hour or so on the plane.  There is a risk of getting blood clots during long plane rides.  I wonder if you have some type of clotting disorder?  A hematologist may be able to help diagnosis this.

[Megan]

Sorry, should add details: I am a 25 yr old female, 5'1", 130 lbs, non-smoker, non-drinker, up until three weeks ago I ran 2-3 miles 3-5 times a week.  

--Megan

[hopper]

I am also a 28 year old woman who is in good physical condition.  I am 5'6 and 115 pounds, non smoker, occasional social drinker (wine).  I have been having very similar symptoms.  I awoke 3 nights ago with a pain in my left shoulder/ arm/ chest.  It got worse and I noticed my veins looked swollen and inflamed in my left arm.  I have not yet sought medical attention because I have no insurance and can not afford it right now.  My hands and feet are swollen and I am having pain in my legs a litlle as well.  I know this sounds silly but I just simply can not afford an er visit or dr. visit.   Do these symptoms sound potentially life threatening?