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Autoimmune Disorders Community
This is an un-mediated Patient-to-Patient Forum only. This forum is for questions and support regarding Autoimmune topics such as: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Addison's disease, Ankylosing spondylitis, Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), Aplastic anemia, Autoimmune hepatitis, Autoimmune Oophoritis, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Diabetes mellitus type 1, Gestational pemphigoid, Goodpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Hashimoto's disease, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Kawasaki's Disease,
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Auto-immune or neurological?
by kaylaur, Nov 01, 2007 12:38PM
Hello,
I am a 29-year-old female who has had Raynaud's phenomenon for a couple of years, as well as photo sensitivity, sore muscles, irritable bowel syndrome, trouble sleeping, anxiety and TMJ. I have also tested positive for the ANA anti-body, but have no inflammation or organ damage.
I have had the above for years but four weeks ago, something triggered what I would describe as a 'flare.' I was at my family's cabin and I had a hot sauna and then jumped in very cold water. Later that night my left arm and leg went numb, and the muscles in those limbs have been weak ever since. I also now have 'trigger finger,' in both hands but more with my left, where the tendons snap open and closed. This gets better during the day but my dexterity of my left hand is not as good as it used to be. Additionally, I have had burning and pins and needles in my hands and feet, usually at night. And my skin burns in random places, feeling hot but numb. This has happened on my face (cheeks and the outer corners of my eyes), as well as on my back. I have also had dizzy spells and headaches. There were also a few nights when random muscles in my body twitched involuntarily.
Now, everything seems to be normal except burning sensations that come and go on my skin, as well as continued weakness in my left side (mostly my left arm and hand, and a bit in my leg). I haven't had any 'attacks' of pins and needles in over a week.
Does anyone know what this all could be? Because I'm terrified of conditions like ALS!
Needless to say I am very scared
I am a 29-year-old female who has had Raynaud's phenomenon for a couple of years, as well as photo sensitivity, sore muscles, irritable bowel syndrome, trouble sleeping, anxiety and TMJ. I have also tested positive for the ANA anti-body, but have no inflammation or organ damage.
I have had the above for years but four weeks ago, something triggered what I would describe as a 'flare.' I was at my family's cabin and I had a hot sauna and then jumped in very cold water. Later that night my left arm and leg went numb, and the muscles in those limbs have been weak ever since. I also now have 'trigger finger,' in both hands but more with my left, where the tendons snap open and closed. This gets better during the day but my dexterity of my left hand is not as good as it used to be. Additionally, I have had burning and pins and needles in my hands and feet, usually at night. And my skin burns in random places, feeling hot but numb. This has happened on my face (cheeks and the outer corners of my eyes), as well as on my back. I have also had dizzy spells and headaches. There were also a few nights when random muscles in my body twitched involuntarily.
Now, everything seems to be normal except burning sensations that come and go on my skin, as well as continued weakness in my left side (mostly my left arm and hand, and a bit in my leg). I haven't had any 'attacks' of pins and needles in over a week.
Does anyone know what this all could be? Because I'm terrified of conditions like ALS!
Needless to say I am very scared
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I have most of the same problems as you.I had some blood work done awhile back and said my liver enzymes were elevated. I was sent to a gasteroligist and he did more blood work and came back that my autoimmune markers were borderline(whatever the heck does that mean i don't know and it scares me,cause they say i need to be vacinated for Hepatitis A and B.and I have to have a liver biopsy done.
Your reply is very appreciated. You're very young to be having this problem, but immune diseases and other disorders don't age discriminate. Our immune system is made up of blood cells that fight against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Instead of attacking those bad cells, the good cells start attacking its own good cells causing "auto" immunity. By all means, ask your Dr if "borderline" is anything to worry about, or if repeat tests should be done? Haven't had a biopsy of liver but forgot to mention that my CT showed a possible small liver cyst and granuloma. GP and RA Specialists aren't concerned about it, tho. Ask your Dr. many questions to help ease your mind. I've always been an easy going, optimistic and patient person. A problem-solver of sorts and not much of a complainer (usually shoulders back, chin up and smile on my face) in any situation. However, for the first time in my life..... I feel scared, too. From what I've read, tho, worrying and stress can add to these flares.