How can I tell if I have a blood clot in my leg? or high cholesterol?

Question

I am 34 years old, I give birth 6 months ago, I gain 55 pounds in the past 2 years, I used to smoke cigarettes until 2 years ago almost two packs/day, I haven't exercise any in the past 6 months, and I have very serious family history (both parents) of blood clots, strokes, and vascular diseases, all of this give me a reasons to worry now that I have a sharp pain in my calf (left leg). It comes and goes. There is no swelling or redness, but I do have small bruisses ( I dont know if there is any conection). Sometimes I have the same sharp pain under my left arm and it goes away when I massage it. I made an appointment with my doctor but he doesn't have an opening until three weeks from now, so until then I'm trying to get as much info as I can

Answer 1

I wouldn't wait for 3 weeks to see a doctor, if it is something that you feel may very well be life threatening, you should maybe go to an urgent care center just as a precaution. Sharp pains in the leg can indicate blood clots especially since you indicated that you are not that active. The bruises can indicate it as well.

You have an adorable baby and you need to be there for her as you already know ;0)

So have it checked as soon as you can. Visit urgent care(if you can) Let them know you have a follow up with your doctors. Doctors will generally take you in sooner if you call and say that you've been to the ER or Urgent care.

I might also ad you have something to be concerned about if there is pain in your left arm.  

Answer 2

My Mom had a blood clot in her leg.  Here are some of the symptoms;

After walking a while, Her leg felt very heavy.  It was difficult for her to walk further.  She had to stop to sit down and rest.  Blood clots in the leg reduce blood flow / oxygen to the area causing the heavy feeling.  Also the leg can feel colder than the other because of less warm blood.

Plavix and blood thinners can be a temporary fix for the problem.  Hers lasted too long though.  It required surgery.  Keep that appointment!

Quitting smoking was a great move!!!  Congratulations.  

Answer 3

a blood clot in the leg can be diagnosed by ultrasound.

  It is nothing to fool around with, because if you have one and it dislodges from your leg and travels to your heart/lungs, you can die instantly.

Did you tell your dr's office about your concerns ?

I cannot see how any office would say to wait 3 weeks, if you did !  It is almost worse than a heart attack.  If you didnt tell then what concerns you, call back and speak with the nurse or dr.

You can always go to any urgent care center or emergency dept and they can do an ultrasound for you :)

For the sake of your baby, please consider it !