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Postpartum Neurological Symptoms

Are neurological symptoms (tingling in hands, feet, arms, legs, sunburned feeling on skin even though skin is not burned, etc.) common after pregnancy?  Mine started at 7 weeks post partum and have lasted approx. 5 weeks to date.  I have experienced postpartum anxiety/some depression.  Anti-depressants (Klonopin and Celexa) have helped alleviate some of these symptoms, but not completely.  It's difficult to distinguish the difference between anxiety symptoms true neurological symptoms (I realize anxiety symptoms can cause neurological issues).  Please let me know if you think these symptoms are normal postpartum.  Also, when do you suggest seeking a neurologist’s opinion?  
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Avatar universal
Look up Arachnoiditis. This is from a problem with the epidural, when the epidural medication or catheter causes irritation to one of the membranes of the spinal column.

There is no real way to fix it, and the only way to diagnose it is to have an MRI with contrast of the spine and to have a specialist in arachnoiditis analyze it (average radiologists may not know what to look for on an MRI). Almost no Dr. will admit that it is from the epidural for legal reasons and fear of being named in a law suit if you try and sue. I have to tell you though that over time the body has a way of healing itself although sometimes this takes a very long time to go away, because nerves take a long time to heal..... and while it may not go away it might get much better anyway.

Arachnoiditis can range from very mild with absolutely no symptoms to very severe with debilitating symptoms.

Here is an article to look at:
http://nationalpainreport.com/my-story-a-new-mothers-epidural-gone-wrong-8824264.html

Good luck and I hope your symptoms get much better over time. Please know to AVOID ANY FUTURE INVASIVE SPINE PROCEDURES (epidurals, spinals, lumbar punctures etc...) because this can make your problems much worse.
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Hi, Ive been having these same symptoms for 3 months now, since 3 weeks postpartum. All tests have come back clear. I'm at a loss and would love to hear from someone who is experiencing the same issues or is feeling better!
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Searching for updates ... I'm experiencing the same symptoms which started 8 weeks pp. I have now had the symptoms for 2 months without improvement. All tests have been normal. Anyone got clearer on what these symptoms are caused by?
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Any updates here? I'm experiencing much of the same symptoms and am freaking out. Going to the doc this week but fearing the worst. Any update or diagnosis would be much appreciated. I'm 11 mo PP.
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Hi I sent you a message. I'm having similar symptoms. I have tingling, numbing, burning in face, legs, hands, arms , and feet, muscle weakness, hypersensitivity, lose of coordination, sweating, cold feeling in feet, heaviness when sheets or other items on body, heaviness, can barely move. I had Mri, spinal, and catscan and all normal. They told me it's probably postpartum blues. I'm not convinced. Pls let me know if any info on this or these symptoms. Thx
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I have the some of the same symptoms. Did you find out what's wrong? Do you feel better?? I hope you do.
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I know this is an incredibly old thread, but hve any of you found out what has been going on with you? I've had similar symptoms with normal MRI's until I sent my MRI to an arachnoiditis Specialist. He confirmed I have arachnoiditis from a bad epidural during labor.
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i also like most of the people who have posted on this forum have been tested for everything under the sun to find out what was wrong with me. I am 31 and have 3 kids. My symptoms would always begin after i had each of my kids. With each one, i also had more symptoms develop each time. I would have the ongoing twitching, i had what i can only explain as "jolts of adrenaline" run through one side of my body. From my head to my feet, followed with cold sweats, ive had heart palpitations, numbness and tingling in my fingers. All of this had gone on in a 12 yr time span. After months of no diagnosis it would eventually subside. Then id get pregnant. Finally after my last pregnancy, i consulted with a neuro. He did all tests for MS, epilepsy, cardio etc. He finally decided on a process of elimination with medication. He had given me lodraine, thinking maybe it was silent migraines. That did nothing. Then we tried Topamax. It is a seizure medication. After the first wk of being on 25mg. i FINALLY saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually i ended up on 100mg a day but i was symptom free. I dont know what other illness the medicine can help, but i do know it was a life saver. It was my life. I hated to wake in the mornings bc i didnt want to have to open my eyes and feel abnormal. I didnt want to function bc it had consumed me. So if i can help one person feel normal again, thats all i want to do!
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Avatar universal
Dear Dr. Ragjopal,
Thank you for your response; it was very helpful.  How long do you think I should give the Celexa and Klonopin to help with the tingling/numbness before seeking other advice (i.e., neurologist)?  I am assuming my symptoms are from postpartum anxiety/PPD, but I don't know what to expect as far as how long it will take for them to go away.  Thanks!
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Post partum depression is common among many women. The symptoms of numbness and tingling and skin sensations are symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, you are sure to experience these symptoms. So these symptoms are related to anxiety and depression and not childbirth as such. You are likely to experience the symptoms if you have anxiety and depression  without childbirth also. Please keep yourself free from stress and be happy with the baby. Please consult a psychotherapist for help. Take a nutritious diet and adequate rest. These measures along with the medication may help you a lot in overcoming the depression and relieve you of depression. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me.  I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but it does make me feel better!  Can anyone else relate?  It's freaking me out; I agree - I feel like I'm losing my mind/dying!
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Avatar universal
i have had the worst year of my life since having my baby via a c-section.  i've been  to every specialist and nothing is wrong.  Haha!  
these are my symptoms...

I recently have had major problems with numbness/weakness, headaches and dizziness, forgetfulness, coupled with tingling sensations in my head.  I had an MRI ok, but a EEG came back with abnormal brain waves.  I have to do a 24 hour study now.  Last night i had major weakness and tingling in my face and pains on the top of my head!

i'm afraid i am dying!
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