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Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
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Where should I go now confused?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Where should I go now confused?

by boogirle, Sep 12, 2006 12:00AM
Okay background. I have had 2 surgeries in 2 years for CTS. The last one in 01/2006. I have since gotten worse and still not returned to work. My neck and shoulders, arm and hand all hurt worse now. My middle, ring and pinky finger all go numb at times. I drop things without knowing my hand opens or can feel it do so. If I lay on my side to sleep it hurts, if I sit too long in one position it hurts and if I walk with my arm to my side it hurts. I also have muscle aches in my hip pelvis area. My leg muscles are weak. I can not climb stairs without stopping after a couple. My legs and hips ache while laying down. This has been going on for about 2 years also. My muscles feel like they are burning and my husband said I feel hot to the touch even though I am freezing. My shoulder joints, neck and wrist joints all pop and crack constantly.I had MRI and it showed bulging disc at C5-6 but surgeon said it was not causing my muscle weakness and has ordered new test from a neurologist. He gave a diagnoses of muscle damage?

I had RAI in 2/2006 for Graves disease but my doctor has checked my levels every month and they are under control. I now take replacement thyroid medication.

HELP I am so confused I don't know where to begin.
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 13, 2006 12:00AM
Obtaining a neurology evaluation can be considered in light of the numbness.  An EMG can determine whether there continues to be nerve damage from the carpal tunnel.  



As for the muscle pain, again electrodiagnostic testing can be considered to evaluate for damage.  Further tests like muscle enzyme tests, aldolase levels and even a muscle biopsy can further evaluate for myopathies and other muscle disorders.  



These options can be discussed with your personal physician.  A neurology and rheumatology evaluation can be considered for further evaluation.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_
Member Comments

by hbeachgrl, Oct 14, 2006 12:00AM
To: boogirle
These symptoms what you speek of sound oh so familiar.  Tendinitis, arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain, popping, general weakness overall, inablitiy to do anything physical, fatigue, lathargic... anyway, these are all symptoms I had and after 2 years of searching for the answer (8 doctors, several procedures & tests, and 2 years in pain while I reseached) I finally came across something that made sense.  I found what "I" was looking for on Antibiotics.Org under the PDF for side-effects.  Please review pages 19-22 and see if you can relate!  Especially if you have taken antibiotics at all in the last year.  I took antibiotics, and 9 months later realized I was having symptoms from the drugs I had taken!!  Feel free to ask me questions... Take care!

by boogirle, Oct 19, 2006 12:00AM
I saw the neurologist yesterday. He has ordered the following test. Blood work: CPK,ANA, RA, CMP, and CBC and also a EMG/NCV RUE. He said just from the office visit that my reflexes aren't what they should be and he wants to rule out some things and find a possilbe cause. I will update you both after the test on the 8th of Nov. Thanks for your comments.

by minimouse2, Oct 24, 2006 12:00AM
To: hbeachgrl
high beachgirl my name is trish



I was reading what you said to boogirl was going through. So I looked on the sight you spoke about. It sounded so familiar I have ALL the symtoms and more. I am so tired of being in this pain. I spent so many nights up in so much pain not knowing what to do. Please tell me what you did to help yourself. what did you tell the doctors for them to help you. Is there anyway you could help me to make any suggestions to tell my doctors.

Just any example I have these symtems

Osteoaerthritis symptoms, and everything what I read about online pertaining to Quinolone Antibiotics toxicity...

I was recently dignosed with Osteoarthritis in the lower back.

I desperately need answeres to relieve me from my pain...

Trish

by boogirle, Nov 10, 2006 12:00AM
To: Forum-M.D.-KYP
I saw a neurologist on 10-18 and he ordered blood work (CPK, ANA, CPM,CBC and RA)and Emg/Nvc. I had those done yesterday here is a note on that. First it went bad because he did the two test he wanted an EMG/Nerve Conduction test and said " they are normal". I hit the roof and said "I refuse to accept that, you don't have numbness, hurt and drop things for no reason when you are only 44 years old". After refusing to take that as an answer he agreed to do a test on my ulnar nerve, or what he told me at the time was for it. Turns out this was a F Wave test. It only took 2 minutes and there is a HUGE difference in what my left arm is and what my right arm is suppose to be according to the neurologist.  He send the nurse out to tell me that is what he saw after it was finished.  He would not give me a diagnoses until he confers with another doctor because "it is workman's comp". I was to call his office back the next day to check and see.  All the blood work isn't back yet so I still don't know about my muscle aches and weakness. Well today I called the doctor like I was told and he will NOT give me a diagnoses and the nurse that did the test called and told me the only diagnoses he will give is "pain". I asked her why did he say yesterday I have a HUGE difference but today it is only pain?? She didn't have an answer and he is referring me to a Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor. I am so upset and confused . I am NOT faking.  I am just at a loss now. This was the 4th doctor. The first one did the 2 surgeries, then I had a MRI that shows some disc problems so I got him to send me to a neurosurgeon. When he heard my history he referred me to the neurologist because he thinks I have multiple things going on and wanted more test run. I also saw a Physical Medicine Doctor before the neurologist that would not touch me until I had further testing. She told me after examine  me and touching two areas on my shoulder and under it that it looks to her I had 2 surgeries for no reason because all of my original symptoms are still here plus I am worse. I am so tired of hurting and my not being able to use my hand. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

by just don, Dec 25, 2006 12:00AM
I had similiar symptoms, I found the 'real' reason for them.  I am new here and reluctant to post everything I know.  You can e-mail me at saramy 'at' ptcnet.net OF course replacing the 'at' with the proper @ for spamming purposes..  I dont check mail very often so have patience in my response.  Have a Merry Christmas and a very Joyous New Year, all!!!!
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