Right Arm Numbness (Pins and Needles) when Laying on Left Side

[*Robin*]

I am trying not to panic about my recent symptoms being heart related, but tonight, while laying on my left side, my right arm went numb and felt like pins and needles.

What does this mean?

My other symptoms this week have been

Neck and Back pain and tightness
Chest pressure, ache, and tightness
Symptoms worse when standing
Sternum and Rib pain

I'm trying to convince myself that it's GERD because all my heart tests have been normal, but reading up on it, I don't know if it could be a coronary artery spasm or unstable angina.

I'm 26, and I realize that's highly unlikely, but I just can't imagine GERD causing all these symptoms.

[Jerry_NJ]

I hope your have had treatment or your symptoms have subsided on their own since you made your post.

As you comment yourself, you have had heart check and you are "too young" to have heart problems.

I must admit I don't recall the list of symptoms of a (mild?) heart attack, but I think you have hit on a number of them and not knowing the details of your past history I think it advisable to go to you local emergency room and get your condition checked.   At least that is the advice I have always read.

There is a lot of information on the web on signs of a heart attack.

Not trying to scare you, but ...

You may want to check: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053

[*Robin*]

I didn't go to the E.R. (I've been there so many times and I hate it), and my symptoms lessened a bit, and then came back, then lessened again. I have had a lot of reflux and I don't know if that's where this is coming from or not.

I had an EKG Monday and my Cardiologist told me it was normal. Would it be likely that I would have had a mild heart attack even with a normal EKG on Monday?

[Jerry_NJ]

Since you've been under current (last Monday) by a cardiologist I would think you should be alright, but if I understand correctly your symptoms for this post came up since last Monday.  So all bets are off as far as that EKG goes as it was prior to current events, or do I misunderstand.

As for sufficiency, I do not think an "good" EKG is conclusive proof that there has not been any past damage to the heart, such as from a minor heart attack.  I may be misusing the word "minor" in this case there probably isn't any such thing, but by "minor" I mean the patient/you are still up and walking around with nothing from a few symptoms to no symptoms.  

As we this is Christmas day we may have to wait until tonight or tomorrow for more input from others who have more direct experience than do I.

[*Robin*]

My symptoms started on Tuesday, after taking a lot of Vitamin C. I have had so much acid reflux the past couple days. Much more than normal.

I had a Stress Test in June, and an Echo in August. I've been getting heart tests regularly since getting Lyme Disease 2 years ago.

I have spent so many nights in the E.R. with my symptoms not matching the testing, so I feel silly going back, especially if it's all GERD.

My numbness and tingling in my hands and arms comes and goes, so it's hard to say if it's heart related or not. I think my Cardiologist thinks I'm crazy for always suspecting my heart, but what can I do when they are potential heart symptoms?

[Jerry_NJ]

I have not direct experience with GERD, I am happy to report, but from what I can easily find on the web it seems you have some symptoms that do not relate to GERD, e.g., the arm numbness and "pins-and-needles".  Still, given your current heart studies it appears you have a healthy heart.  Still, I do understand Lyme can do damage to vital organs, so for that reason alone caution seems to be the right approach.  

Have you had any clearance for Lyme, i.e., a doctor statement that you are cured of the Lyme infection?  I ask this without knowing if that is possible.  Still, if that is the case, I have to assume you do not currently have a Lyme infection and therefore have subsequent heart testing that gives you a "clean bill of health".  

Not suggeting any new symptoms, but if you do not have any dizziness or sweating or shortness of breath.. or other heart attack symptoms I think you can take that as good news and try to "tough it out" while keeping a telephone handy.  Do you have anyone close who can check on you from time to time?  All these suggestions are meant to be ways to relieve anxiety, not generate them.  So, if you have help at hand, try to relax and not think negative thoughts, but be ready to call for help if any other serious symptoms come active....don't worry about "looking silly" be safe.

Best, wishes.  Hope we get some other expert inputs/ideas.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

As I sat here and read your post, the symptoms you describe, in my opinion, do not appear to be related to problem in your heart nor GERD. I have cared for many patients with similar complaints who have been diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis.

Main complaint is neck pain and stiffness that seem to worsen when in an upright position (such as standing). Pain is  usually worse in the morning and may get better throughout the day. You may also have a headache. If the bony growths are pushing against a nerve or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in an arm with radiation to the fingertips or a leg.

A CT Scan or MRI of the spine are 2 tests that can confirm this as a potential diagnosis. If this is the case than treatment typically consists of pain relievers, PT, along with strengthening and ROM (range of motion) exercises. In cases that are severe, surgical removal of the "spurs" can be performed.

As I said earlier, this is only my opinion. Given the results of your previous cardiac testing, all appearing normal...It would be pretty doubtful that you have suffered any type of heart attack or that you are experiencing symptoms of unstable angina. Do you have any risk factors that would indicate a high risk for heart disease?

Identifiable Risk Factors:

Smoking
Having high cholesterol levels  
Not exercising regularly
Having high blood pressure  
Eating a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
Having diabetes
Being more than 30% over ideal weight
Having family members (especially parents or siblings) who have had coronary artery disease  or a stroke
Using stimulant or recreational drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines (these substances do not cause CAD but can increase the impact of any underlying CAD)

I hope that you get to the bottom of these symptoms.  Hopefully after you read this you will feel better knowing that the liklihood of it being heart related is quite low:)

[*Robin*]

I just got back from the E.R. They had me monitored for 2 hours, took blood, and did a Chest X Ray, all normal.

So far, the diagnosis is GERD.

I do still have an active Lyme infection, but as far as anyone can see, it has not damaged my heart, just caused me PVC's.

I'm still scared, but they told me that there's no way it's my heart so I don't know what to think.