Alcoholic neuropathy

I am scared out of my mind right now and could use some sort of clarification.  I have been a pretty heavy drinker in the past...moreso during football season.  Over the Thanksgiving holiday we had probably too much wine, then I drank some whiskey on that Saturday, and some more on Monday.  I usually don't drink that much, but it's just how things worked out I suppose.  I am 33/M with no history of any neurological disorders in my family.  

I woke up this past Tuesday with a numbness in my left hand going from the top of my left hand to my pointer finger.  I figured I just fell asleep on it, which is what the doctor stated.  Come that evening I was running a bath and I thought I felt light headed, so I hopped in the bath and felt better.  Since then, I felt burning sensations in my forearms and feet, and some weakness in my legs, though today they feel better.  The burning is indiscriminate, so it'll come and go without any sort of pattern.  I've obviously scared myself by going online and reading plenty of things abotu what it could be, but considering my drinking habits, alcohol myopathy or alcoholic neuropathy is a definite possibility.

I have never had anything like this happen to me beofre from a medical standpoint.  I am not overweight, I eat right, and I work out 5 days a week.  I even worked out today and actually felt better.  I am a smoker, though I don't think that has anything to do with this.  If someone could provide any sort of insight into this it is greatly appreciated.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Based on your clinical presentation, it is, indeed, a possibility that alcoholic neuropathy is causing your symptoms.  However, your symptoms are non-specific and could also be caused by other conditions. It would be important for you to consult a physician to properly assess your symptoms and perform some diagnostic procedures.

You should be tested for elevated liver enzymes (which is present in alcoholic neuropathy), as well as screen for diabetes, renal insufficiency (creatinine levels), vitamin insufficiency, heavy metal toxicity, etc.

Some other tests that could be performed include nerve conduction tests as well as needle electromyography.

Hope this helps.