rashes and numb feet

[sebastin]

I am a 55 year old female. 6 mo. ago I broke out in hives, rash everywhere,slight fever, stiff neck and severe headaches that would wake me in middle of night.(I had to sleep sitting up)some swelling on scalp and behind ears.  blood was tested for everything and was always negative. except I had low white blood count, high liver enzyme and high sed rate (40)

3 mo ago I fell at work and 2 days later had shooting pains down left thigh, to foot and foot went numb, 3 days later the same on the right side. I still have no feeling in right foot, and knife stabbing pains in bottom of it. Now right hand is numb with electric shock feeling. My hair is falling out in handfuls and I just can't seem to get a doctor to help me. I have been to see my family physcian, a neurologist, podiatrist, dermatologist and rhuematologist. they all say they don't know. I have had blood work for every disease, MRI for my back and there's nothing.
Some suspected Lyme disease which I thought since I work outside doing salmon habitat work year round but rhuematologist says we don't have lyme on west coast and 3 lyme test are neg.
I just keep getting weaker everyday and the pain in foot and hand is increasing and slowly moving to left side. It's weird that the pain in feet are worse when I sit or lay down for very long and when I walk it feels like marbles in the botom. I am desperate for help. I don't know where to turn and I would really like to keep my hair. last tested for chemical poisons and waiting results, but I am sure it will be another... I DON"T KNOW.
Please help me.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without examining you - if you have been to several specialists, it would be unlikely that I can come up with something new.  

I would suggest another referral to a neurologist.  Electrodiagnostic testing (i.e. an EMG) can be considered to see if there is any problem with nerve conduction.  

I would also test the blood for thyroid problems, diabetes as well as vitamin b-12 deficiency - these should have already been tested for in your previous visits.

If the neurological workup continues to be non-revealing, a biopsy of the nerve would give a more definitive answer.

The other route would be a rheumatological workup - including ANA testing and rheumatoid factor testing.  You may want to consider a second rheumatological opinion if your previous consults were non-revealing.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[sebastin]

Neurologist did an EMG and said I had a ragging case of carpal tunnel in hand and Tarsal tunnel in foot but podiatrist said that was not the case. If anyone knows of Lyme disease causeing these things please let me know. Maybe even chemical poison or Ebstein-barr virus? But Docotor said if mono test was negative then so would be Ebstein Barr. Other suggestions was polymyalgia or mononeuritis multiplex. Who would you go see?

[yoshi]

try the lyme website and post your question there-
http://www.lymenet.org/

[yoshi]

think about your work place,is there any chance you come into contact with mercury??
you eat a lot of fish??
what about breast implant withs saline stuff,if they leak,it could be in your body

[sebastin]

Thanks for the lyme disease site. I will question this. I did find out that blood work for mercury and other toxins was negative, but I also had a test run for Epstein Barr virus that came back with a postive Igg and Negative Igm. Not sure what that means but doctor says it means I have had the virus at one time but not at present.( since sed rate now normal and liver enzyme normal)Mono test negative. He said that could explain hair loss etc. Due to see a different neurologist end of Jan. about loss of feeling in hands and feet. If anyone knows about epstein barr and such symtoms please let me know.