28 female, sore throat, numb left side?

[rara22]

I am 28 years old and two weeks ago I started with an uncomfortable feeling in my neck when ever I read. Then 5 days ago it turned into this awful pain in my neck like a sore throat but with a lot of pressure. Went to 3 dr's they said I had a virus and it should go away (larger lymph node on left side but both are swollen). The dr said that my left lymph node could put pressure on the hypoglossal nerve causing the numbness in my tonge and that it would go away). I was concerned that my thyroid was enlarged (i.e. thyroiditis) but I believe it is ok. I go for an ultrasound in two weeks (no previous thyroid problems).
But what bothered me was last night around 5pm the tip of my tongue went numb. I went to the ER because I was scared and while sitting there my bottom lip went numb. Today my cheek and left arm and left leg went numb. I really hope it is not MS! I am totally freaking out. I have heart palpitations closer together than normal (I have had them for about a year now) and I have been losing my hair since September (I am currently in med school, so the stress is pretty bad). I am getting my hormones all checked out next week.
Any thoughts? Should I see a neurologist, get a spinal tap?? My aunt died of MS (a while back) and I am afraid my father was a carrier or something.
Is this type of numbness common in viral infections, it really hurts and there are red spots on the back of my throat, not strep.
Thank you so much for reading this!! It would be great if someone could respond I am just so lost!!!
Thank you
mel

[Aylin2411]

Hi Mel, Just wondering if you have had any luck getting answers to your health concerns? As i have been getting every symptom you have written about. Just had an MRI done on brain waiting on results. Do you also have headaches that accompany the throat pain? mine gets pretty bad. would love to hear your updates and hope you find answers soon. Regards Aylin

[JenSam1]

Did they ever diagnose your condition?  Would you mind giving us an update as a family member has similar symptoms?

Thank you

[Antalya]

The Lyme suggestion was excellent.  When they did the MRI, what area did they check.  And was it both with and without contrast (we all hope, I'm sure!)  I lost SO much hair before being diagnosed w/ hypothyroidism.  Tired, Itchy.
Something that helps me when I have a sore throat or virus: 1 c or so boiling water, juice 1/2 lemon, smashed garlic clove, honey and cayenne pepper.  Some people can't deal w/ the garlic - but it is such a great anti-viral.  I like it.  
It does sound like you are run down.  You are in a difficult position with you student responsibilities. But you need to take care of yourself!
Also, how many people read your MRI?  Is your neuro an MS expert - or generalist?  Maybe you could see a specialist once just to be sure.
How about an endocrinologist?
All these fun things......NOT.    :  -))

Marcia

[Bella1961]

If I were you I would get tested for Lyme disease. I had some of your symptoms and Drs didn't even mention it. My Naturopath sent my bloodwork to Igenix labs and it came back positive. I will be on meds for up to 18 months and am grateful to be getting the parasite out of my body. It is not easy on the meds and I will admit I feel like hell many days, but I have faith that I will get better. Good luck to you.
      Lana

[Heather3418]

Good Morning,

Are you sure that you don't have some medical background?  I always enjoy reading your responses, since they are so informative and complete.  You are a great asset to this forum.

If you don't mind me asking, do you have a first name that we call you?  If you have posted it before, I am sorry that I did not see it.

Again, great responses.  Very interesting.

Heather  

[rara22]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!! I had my MRI and it came back normal. I meed with the neurologist on Thursday. The numbness went away last week and left me with feelings in my arm and leg (left side) that I needed a rub. I went away and got what I think is strep throat! I am on erythromycin and that came on fast, this past Sunday early morning while sleeping. Then I got back last night and the numbness is starting again (more like tingling). I am really anxious to find out what is going on. I read it is recommended after a first episode to get another MRI in 3 months. I am really going to push for them to run every test I can!! Any suggestions of what this may be?
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!
mel

[needanswers54]

Sounds like you are on the right path.  MRIs, particularly a spinal MRI w and w/o contrast is indicated.  If there is some kind of active myelitis or MS the MRI is more like to pick it up rather than a CAT scan.  A thyroid problem can cause neurological symptoms such as tingling, heart palpitations, eye problems, anxiety, hair changes, voice changes, energy-level changes, appetite changes, depression, other neurological and endocrine symptoms.  A high progesterone/low esterogen can also cause some of the described symptoms and/or exasperate symptoms.  Our bodily systems can affect each other.  I am not a doctor but have some experience.  Hope this helps.  Good luck with med school!!!  

[rara22]

THank you so much Terrie for your reply. My mom flew out here from Boston, truly concerned about me. I got my hair analysis results and I have a high zinc to copper ratio which is indicative of a hypothyroid, also high progesterone low estrogen as well. Now the numbness seems to be getting worse and is in my throat and especially the left side of my face. No vision changes as of yet. My CT scan came back normal but I got referred to the neurologist. SO I am going to make the appt tomorrow for my MRI and see what happens. I have an ultrasound for my thyroid on the 21st to see if there is anything wrong there and I am doing a hormone saliva test to cover those bases as well. I am in school and it is affecting my studying because of the lack of concentration I have. My left calf is really crampy feeling like I ran 4 miles yesterday and didn't stretch. But it is not constricted to one side it is both sides but more on the left. I just have no clue and try to remain optimistic but I just can't maintain it. My throat doesn't hurt any longer and there isn't anymore pain in my neck, it is total numbness now. Thank you and please respond anybody!!!!!
Thank you!
Mel

[TonkaSpirit]

Keep in touch with your doctor as it could be viral.  Some virus' have to go away on their own as anti=biotics don't work on them.  So it can take a while to go away and if you are stressed already, you are probably lowering your immune system.  Try to take some time for yourself to relax and do something you enjoy.  There are so many different viral infections, it is hard to say what exactly is considered normal, but the red spots on the back of your throat sound viral to me.  Of course I am no doctor.  Did you doctor check out the spots?  I hope you are feeling better soon.  As people wake up I am sure you will get more advice on the forum. You are not alone or lost ever....
Terrie