I'm scared. In (medical) hospital
- Thread starter Pebble mouse
- Start date
Hi @Lifeisthis. I'm doing OK. Thanks for asking 
I’m feeling really confused and anxious after seeing an outpatient neurologist. He suggested the issue might be nerve-related in my arms. However, even he added, “that doesn’t explain why your entire arm went numb.” He finds it odd that both episodes were noticed in my left arm. From everything I’ve researched, it actually makes sense — it points to a specific area in my brain where arterial clots are forming.
So if he thinks it’s a nerve problem, why is he also prescribing a blood thinner? I don’t understand his reasoning.
I’ve had two TIAs (transient ischemic attacks), and based on what I've read, the risk of a serious stroke within a year could be as high as about one in three—and if that happens, there's around a 20% chance of death. I’m a bit uncertain what to do next. I might speak with my GP and request a referral to the hospital’s stroke clinic. Right now, I’m feeling very overwhelmed.
So if he thinks it’s a nerve problem, why is he also prescribing a blood thinner? I don’t understand his reasoning.
I’ve had two TIAs (transient ischemic attacks), and based on what I've read, the risk of a serious stroke within a year could be as high as about one in three—and if that happens, there's around a 20% chance of death. I’m a bit uncertain what to do next. I might speak with my GP and request a referral to the hospital’s stroke clinic. Right now, I’m feeling very overwhelmed.
I'm sorry you're overwhelmed @Pebble mouse .
What you've written here paraphrasing the neurologist's words could be partly his style of communication, a kind of thinking out loud thing. Not okay in an appointment, as he left you hanging, confused and with extra stress. It is definitely not clear.
Perhaps in addition to contacting the GP about being referred to the stroke clinic - could you call or contact the neurologist's office and ask them to explain the specifics around the conflicting causes he spoke about. Did he prescribe a blood thinner as a sort of catch-all response because he just doesn't know what to make of your symptoms?
I hope it's okay to chime in on this, I hope they step up and give you the information and care you need and deserve.
What you've written here paraphrasing the neurologist's words could be partly his style of communication, a kind of thinking out loud thing. Not okay in an appointment, as he left you hanging, confused and with extra stress. It is definitely not clear.
Perhaps in addition to contacting the GP about being referred to the stroke clinic - could you call or contact the neurologist's office and ask them to explain the specifics around the conflicting causes he spoke about. Did he prescribe a blood thinner as a sort of catch-all response because he just doesn't know what to make of your symptoms?
I hope it's okay to chime in on this, I hope they step up and give you the information and care you need and deserve.
Hey @Pebble mouse
I hope I can help understand some info about your appointment.
The Neurologist (and cardiologist) put you on an anticoagulant to decrease your risk of another stroke. some meds put you at higher risk of stroke - so you are seeing some specialists to review your meds for possible interactions.
A question- are the blood clots forming in a particular area of the brain? Or are clots getting “stuck” in that area of the brain?
when the dr said your arm pain could be a nerve issue. I wonder if he meant: that pressure within the nerve increased causing numbness. Like a pinched nerve. Could be pressure, muscle tension in the neck causing the arm numbness.
Left arm pain is often related to the heart attack. So I think that’s why he evaluated and explained the likely cause.
This is just my interpretation of what you’ve explained. I hope talking could provide a bit of clarity. It is scary. It’s easy to overthink everything Causing a spiral .
take it easy Pebble.
I hope I can help understand some info about your appointment.
The Neurologist (and cardiologist) put you on an anticoagulant to decrease your risk of another stroke. some meds put you at higher risk of stroke - so you are seeing some specialists to review your meds for possible interactions.
A question- are the blood clots forming in a particular area of the brain? Or are clots getting “stuck” in that area of the brain?
when the dr said your arm pain could be a nerve issue. I wonder if he meant: that pressure within the nerve increased causing numbness. Like a pinched nerve. Could be pressure, muscle tension in the neck causing the arm numbness.
Left arm pain is often related to the heart attack. So I think that’s why he evaluated and explained the likely cause.
This is just my interpretation of what you’ve explained. I hope talking could provide a bit of clarity. It is scary. It’s easy to overthink everything Causing a spiral .
take it easy Pebble.
Thanks for the responses @seabird @Lifeisthis @FlamingoWrangler. I am going to seek a second opinion from another neurologist. The doctor contradicted himself during my consultation and I am not comfortable with the conclusion he seems to have come to. I hope it is a nerve issue, but I think under the circumstances, I should seek another opinion from a different specialist. Thanks again for the support.