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I have calf pain and other strange symptoms?

By Anonymous November 20, 2013 - 3:19pm
 
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I am 22 years old. On a trip two months ago, I began experiencing a very tight feeling in my lower back that later progressed to cold sensations, pain, and an overwhelming pressure. I experienced spotting at the same time, which is unusual for me. The pain would sometimes travel down my left thigh, leading a doctor to diagnose me with sciatica. I began taking a NSAID (meloxicam) for the pain. I took meloxicam for about a three weeks, and the pain seemed to be gone. At that point, I decided to stop taking meloxicam because I was planning to begin taking norethindrone as a contraceptive.

Well, I only ended up taking one minipill, because I got nervous about the side effects. A few days later I had some moderate bleeding for three days. I imagine it was breakthrough bleeding from the pill. Then I started experiencing a really tight feeling in my calf. At first I thought it was just paranoia about blood clots, so I brushed it off. But the feeling was persistent, so I started thinking that maybe it was the sciatica acting up again, and went back on the meloxicam.

The calf tightness was persistent and it has since started hurting. I am also getting pain in my foot and thigh every once in awhile, along with some fluttery sensations. I also have cold sensations, similar to what I had in my back. I am worried because I have also started experiencing episodes of tunnel vision, dizziness, head pressure, chest pain, difficulty speaking, and disorientation. Whenever I do light exercise lately, my heart seems to be racing. A friend thinks that these are panic attacks.

Today, I had difficulty standing on the leg. I have not noticed any swelling in the leg, but every once in awhile there is a patch of skin that looks inflamed, but then it returns to normal over a few minutes. There is also a vein on my calf that looks very dark to me.

Is it possible that this is still sciatica and I am also having panic attacks? I have not scheduled a doctor appointment because I can never seem to get an appointment for three weeks and it is discouraging.

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Hello Anonymous,

I am sorry to hear that at such a young age of 22 you are troubled with so many health issues. You have been diagnosed with sciatica and are aware of the symptoms related or caused by this condition.

The other symptoms that you report, from tunnel vision to a racing heart rate, do sound like the symptoms of a panic attack. I think you are focusing too much on your symptoms. The give away is thinking that a calf vein looks very dark to you.

Scheduling an appointment with your physician is not a bad idea. I think if you can have your symptoms reviewed by your doctor, you will get answers and hopefully some peace of mind. In the meantime, try focusing your attention away from physical symptoms.

Regards,
Maryann

November 20, 2013 - 6:22pm
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