Question Title: pain & weakness

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Lupus

Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 20, 1997 at 22:57:51:

In Reply to: pain & weakness posted by sam on September 18, 1997 at 20:59:33:

: I have been having some problems that seem to be getting increasingly worse. I have been diagnosed with Hypoglycemia. I have had the problem of shakiness for quite some time. I was told that could be due to the low blood sugar. Months ago I started having pain in my hips and knees. It was intermitant. It started becoming more regular and more often. More parts of my body are now being affected. I have pain down my neck and into my arms and hands as well. I am very sensitive to cold, air conditioning makes the aching worse. I am now also having alot of numbness especially in the arms and hands and sometimes it seems like I cannot control the movement of them unless I really pay attention. I have been to the doctors numerous times. It is not Lupus or Rheumatiod arthritis. They origionally told me that it could be a form of Rheumatism. It seems like I am getting worse daily. Over a period of months my mobility has decreased terribly due to the weakness and the pain. I am afraid of the speed in which my symptoms have progressed. I am scheduled to see a neurologist but it may be some time before I get in. Is there any standard things that could improve these symptoms? Should I exercise more even if the pain is unbearable or should I rest the muscles that are sore. I did buy an electric blanket because I thought it would help, but although cold aggravates the pain the heat seems to aggravate it as well. I also have swollen fingers in the mornings and I am not overweight. I'm also in my mid thirties. If you have any suggestions or ideas I'd appreciate it.

Dear Sam:

You do need a neurological assessment to rule out disorders such as myopathies, peripheral neuropathies, cervical myelopathy, and other conditions that you can potentially have. It is equally important that you also see a good rheumatologist and a good internist, since a non-neurological cause of your symptoms appears equally likely.
I do not have any other specific suggestiona.
Good luck!

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