Bit of asymmetric weakness and other symptoms...your thoughts?

[bessenba]

Background info: 28-yo male, job = 6+ years at computer.
Several months ago (summer '03), I noted a mild sensation of weakness in my right shoulder.  Later, in the fall, I started noticing a feeling of weakness in my right forearm.  In fact, my arm felt as though I was constantly weight training and not allowing it to recover fully.  I now have much the same feeling in my right leg, this having begun probably late fall/early winter.  The weakness is more of a sensation, with little actual measurable reduction in strength.  The affected muscles do fatigue quicker, and post-weight training soreness is somewhat greater and takes a day or two longer to resolve.  There may be a tad bit of atrophy, but if there is it is very mild.  I have noted some occasional mild aching (mild cramps?) in some of the affected muscles, and some sporadic, mild and transient rapid twitches.  Also notable is that both affected limbs, but especially the arm, have a tendency to "fall asleep" much quicker then the unaffected limbs if leaned on, bent, or slept on.  They will also numb a bit and get a light, fuzzy feeling in them quite quickly if I don't maintain adequate posture.  I have, at times, felt that my right fingers were colder than they should be.  As far as progression...it's hard to say since I am now monitoring closely and am suspicious of every change, real or perceived.  I would say there has been some progression, but that it has been fairly slow.  In fact, there are days when things feel somewhat better.  Currently I have no pain, no obvious UPN signs.  My left side is symptom-free.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

The unilateral presentation of these symptoms suggests a problem at or above your cervical spine. It is possible for a herniated disc or spine disease to present with similar symptoms. Also inflammation or structural lesions of the spinal cord or perhaps certain brain structures could also produce similar complaints. What I would recommend is a consult with a neurologist who can evaluate you to determine if there are any physical abnormalities. He/she may then obtain a MRI of the Brain and Cervical spine to exclude the possibilities mentioned above. I hope this helps, good luck.

[bessenba]

Opps...I meant UMN (as in upper motor neuron) signs, not UPN.  Sorry!

[fixit]

I look forward to hearing your answer.  Reading your post I thought I was reading about me, except that my sensations started on the left side, and have now progressed to include the right leg and occasionally the right arm.  As I sit here my right foot and left arm feel dead. My left arm sometimes has an achey (achy) flu-like pain. This can occur throughout the day, however, is more pronounced in the evening after work.  My limbs are not the only thing that quickly feel as if they are falling asleep.  If I put pressure on the back of my head, it too feels dead/asleep and I have to move to "awaken" it.  I have had spinal and head MRIs, both negative, as well as blood work that showed slightly elevated ANA and Antiphosphilid tests. Nothing high enough to indicate any serious problems. Dr. put me on prednisone to see if that helped - it did not.  He says that rules out some of what it might be, but cannot tell me what it is.  I too am constantly analyzing every ache or pain to see if it is connected to "the problem".  I hope you get a good answer because I have been dealing with this for 9 months and although not physically fatigued, I am certainly mentally fatigued.  Good Luck.

[kimlynn]

I have almost identical symptoms also.  I have a +ANA and Antiphospholipid antibodies, which I have had problems with for years, especially during pregnancy.  These problems with numbness in arms/hands, legs/feet are more recent and my doctor can't find what's causing it.  I also have some tingling on the left side of my face and pain in my neck on left side.  I hope that we can all get some answers.  Good luck!

[bessenba]

Hey guys,

Thanks for replying.  It's interesting to hear that we share many of the same symptoms.  Unlike you, I have not yet really begun the process of investigating what's going on.  I saw my GP a few weeks ago, and she and I decided on a "wait and see" treatment for the time being.  I'm getting a bit anxious though to start the process of finding out what's going on, so I'm planning on a general physical to get a basic health assessment in a few weeks.  I assume my GP will then refer me to a specialist for further assessment.  

I find it quite interesting that you both mentioned a bit of elevated antibody levels.  I'd like to see if I have the same thing going on, as it makes me wonder if we possibly have one of assorted autoimmune-type neurological disorders.  I've done a fair bit of reading in the past couple weeks on the various possible disorders that could cause symptoms like ours, and although some of those autoimmune possibilities can be rather nasty, I'd much rather do battle with one of those over some of the other ones such as ALS, brain tumor, etc.  At least with immunosuppresant therapy and other such treatments there is a fair chance at a relatively normal and long life.

[melsue]

I am so excited that I have come across this website. As I was reading the messages I kept thinking "did I write that?" I did not know there where others out there!!!

[melsue]

I am so excited to have found you all. I keep reading my own thoughts that someone else has written. Guess my nickname should be undiagnosable! This is the point I am at in my 8 year journey. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

[fixit]

All info from everyone is so interesting.  To further clarify my symptoms, I too have the very cold feeling, especially in my left afm/hand.  As far as my high antibodies and autoimmune disease, I present no symptoms for autoimmune (except for the blood levels). No fatigue, hair loss, rashes, etc.  My rheumatologist does not think I have lupus (yet) or any other common autoimmune disease, however, he said there are all kinds out there.  I will update you on his thoughts after I see him next week!!  Maybe together, we can find a common answer.

[zcouple]

I am currently suffering from a marked weakness and "cold" sensation along the right side of my neck, down my right shoulder and through my right forearm.  Almost 8 months ago, I had a C5-C6 fusion due to a herniated disc.  Apparently, the fusion has caused stress to the C4-C5 disc and has caused bulging/pressure on my spinal cord.  Unfortunately, I have been affected by two autoimmune diseases - insulin dependent diabetes and Guillian-Barre Syndrome.  Although I have made a "complete" recovery from GBS, the diabetes will have its effects for life.  I see my neurosurgeon on Monday and I'm praying he doesn't tell me I need further surgery.  Where does it end?

[fixit]

I have been back to the rhuemy and he is at a loss.  I usually wake up in the morning with all limbs asleep at some level.  Early in the morning it disappears and slowly reappears as pain, burning, coldness throughout the day, until at about 5 when I feel like I want to scream at someone.  It is not so much the pain but the discomfort and loss of control of what is going on. My left shoulder and arm get really uncomfortable.  The rest of my limbs have symptoms that come and go. I am supposed to go to another neurologist, but getting an appointment is like pulling teeth.  My only relief is Ativan which relaxes me enough not to go off the deep end, however, I hear this is addictive and I hate to get in a mess with it.  I do find myself taking more and more.  Does anyone know the long term effect of this medication.  Is there anything else that is not addicting that might do the same thing!  Thanks.

[AuntSari]

I would not wait too long to start investigating your condition.  I've had similar problems for 3 years (but my symptoms include both arms and both feet) and I still don't know the underlying cause of my neuropathy.  Start out with your labs and don't let your GP just through up his/her hands and say, "Sorry, I just don't know what is causing it."  Because one GP did that to me, I now have a new GP.  

Another thing , it's good to keep a journal of your symptoms, but don't let it consume you.  Also, talk to someone close to you about it.  That's kept me from pulling my hair out!  Some people just don't understand---if you look OK, you must be OK.  If only they knew what we felt like on the inside.

Good Luck!

[fixit]

No results for me.  Back to another neurologist.  I know in my mind this has something to do with my neck/spine because that is where most of the pain seems to originate and tingling, hot/cold, etc. comes later.  They just haven't been able to see it on my films, I guess.  It's just a shame I have to wait until April now to get into the Neuro.  I fear permanent damange will occur during all the "wait" time, not to say what my mental state is becoming.  Anyway - there are those who are much worse off than I am, so I have to keep positive.  Keep all info coming!

[mom2gandb]

Hi all! I too am happy to have found this forum. I'm so frustrated w/ my "condition" and am comforted to learn I'm not the only one experiencing it.  When I read the comments/questions from "bessenba" I felt like we were 1 in the same.  About 2 weeks ago I started to notice a light tingling/burning on the right side of my body -- 1st in my toes and then radiating up my calf.  Now I also feel the sensation in my right arm -- originated in my hand/wrist and now I feel it all the way up.  It's a slight feeling, though sometimes more noticeable than others.  I wouldn't say I'm in pain but I do feel more achy in these areas.  Sometimes the muscles in my hand or foot feel "twitchy" or "shaky" and also seem to feel cold a lot.  I've noticed that, especially when laying down or sleeping, my right side will fall asleep easy.  My left side is symptom-free.  I've suffered from back pain off and on for about 2yrs (which I attribute to caring for my little (big) boys -- my 1yr old is already 30 lbs and my 3 yr old is 40 lbs). In the past month the back pain has been chronic and ranges from lower to upper but is especially sore on the right side.  My GP ordered x-rays and the only thing revealed is some curvature in lower back.  She feels maybe my syptoms (symptoms) are caused from nerve irritation in the back.(?) I plan to seek a referal to a neurologist. My mother has MS and I wonder if I too may have it.  Have any of you been tested for MS? How about back pain?  I'm really interested in your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks!