Question Title: Could this be a spinal problem?

I posted a while back and the response was that with all my symptoms, this was likely psychosomatic. This has been suggested by other neurologists I have seen over the last 7 months. I have two questions however. I have tred anti-depressant medication - elavil and paxil and had bad reactions to both. Tremor and increased tingling. The same type of reaction to Tegretol. In fact I seem to be hypersensitive to all medications I've tried. And while my symptoms never go away they do wax and wane with intensity and when they are their worst they are accompanied by bad upper badominal pain in my rib area. I've also noticed that my arms burn more when I'm around cleaning chemicals. Could this also be psychosomatic? I really don't feel I'm bringing this on myself and really want to find a medication I can take to take away the burning and tingling. Is there a "more safe" medication you can recommend?

2) The splotchy redness I have in my arms dissapears if I hold my arms slighty above shoulder level and increases when they are at my side or in my lap. COuld this indicate a problem in the thoracic spine area?

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Dear Jason:

It is impossible for us to have an opinion about whether your symptoms are psychosomatic or organic (that is, from identifiable disease) unless we have the opportunity of interviewing you, examining you clinically, and reviewing all the tests that you have had. It is quite possible that we may also need some additional tests to rule out some obscure diagnosis that your other doctors may not have considered likely.

As a general rule, individuals who have had numerous evaluations from competent neurologists without an answer and who have had very extensive but normal diagnostic testing are most likely psychosomatic.

Appointments with Cleveland Clinic neurologists can be made by calling (800)223-2273, or (216)444-5559 locally.

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