Matt,
I don't think you should feel like a coward for expressing your concerns about your health at a forum like this. Your concerns are valid and you know your body best.

I think everyone has a bit of a hypocondriac in them. We all find it hard to trust a complete stranger with our well being regardless of their credentials.

I don't think that anyone reading your initial post would consider it a waste of time either. Your concerns are just as valid as everyone else's.

Best of Luck
Jackie