numbness

[Zookey]

I have been having numbness in my thigh for about a week now.  Then I woke up this morning and found the right side of my face feels heavy.  I have trouble drinking (it dribbles out of my mouth) and have the same problem with eating.  It is like I have to think about pushing my food to the side of my mouth.  I am also having problems with my eyes.  When I blink, there is a lag from one side and I cannot blink one eye and then the other.  It feels like one eye is staying open kind of, and the other is very heavy.  Sensation on one side is less than the other to touch.  Any suggestions?  I have no insurance, so I do not know what to do.

Thanks for any help.

[hyepod]

My statement that this may be a stroke or TIA is bolstered by the assumption that the thigh numbness is on the same side as your facial signs and symptoms.  Still, I should also say that this problem that you have may be Bell's Palsy, which is temporary.  Since you DO NOT want a stroke, please consider seeing a physician.

[Zookey]

Thank you for your reply.  I did go to a low cost clinic this morning, and it is Bells Palsey.  The leg numbness is on the opposite side and we did not get into that at that time, but I am going to make another appointment next week if it continues.  Stroke was my first thought also, so I am relieved that it is a tempory condition.  

Thank you again for your response.

Christina (zookey)

[hyepod]

I assume that the affected thigh is on the right side also. These sound like classic signs and symptoms of stroke.  Could also be, for instance, a mass in the brain.  I understand the fear of going to an emergency room with no insurance.  Granted, unpaid medical bills are the cause of many bankruptcies, devastated credit ratings, and ulcers.  However, if in fact you are having, or have had, a stroke, you could die very shortly.  Do you have any city or county hospital for the indigent that is available to you?  Is your income low enough to apply for Medicaid?  Even if it is, you still need to see a doc immediately.