numbness and tingling of extremities...spreading, getting worse

[Douglas321]

For the past six months or so I have experienced numbness and tingling of my hands and feet, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation or sensitivity to head and sometimes cold. For the past week it is quickly getting much worse. My doctor gave me a chest X-ray, a Lyme test, blood tests for arthritis (I'd been having pain in my hands at one point), and EKG, and blood screening for various vitamin deficiencies, but so far none of the results are suggesting an answer. This morning I woke up and felt a significant increase in the numbness in my hands and arms, feet and legs, and a feel the tingling in other parts of my body as well

ONE NOTE: I did go off sugar completely about four days ago (including bread, fruit, and other carbs) and have been taking Candex in an attempt to get what seems to be a systemic yeast infection under control. But I just don't know if this could account for the degree to which my symtoms have worsened. Can someone help?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
You should consult a neurologist and go in for a MRI to know the cause of numbness.You should consult a physiotherapist for pain management. You can take vitamin B supplements to prevent the demyleination of nerves.
Best

[Douglas321]

Thanks. I will request a referral from my GP today. As for preventing the demyleination of nerves in the meantime, I have been taking sublingual vitamin B-12 at the daily recommended dose, but I'm wondering if I could use a higher dose. Do you have any advice?

Thanks so much!

[boycee]

FROMBOYCEE   I HAVE VERY SIMILAR SYMPTEMS  .IN MY CASE IN MY ARMS &HANDS IT IS CAUSED BY COMPRESSED SPINAL CORD. IN MY LEGS & FEET IT IS CAUSED BY ARACHNOIDITIS. I AM AWAITING SURGERY FOR THE CORD. FOR THE ARACH  LOTS OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN KILLERS WITH NO CURE. BUT PLEASE GET AN MRI BEFORE YOU GET TOO WORRIED. THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER THINGS IT COULD BE. I HOPE YOU GET LUCKEY & FIND IT IS SOMTHING SIMPLE. I HOPE I HAVENT WORRIED YOU TOO MUCH. BE POSITIVE & GOOD LUCK  BEST WISHES BOYCEE  (UK)

[Carol in PA]

Douglas,
The numbness and tingling may be neuropathy.  I had numbness of my feet for six weeks, and when I began taking B Complex supplements, the numbness got better immediately.

I had been taking B12 sublingual supplement, but with no noticeable result.  When I tried another form, a powder that I took on the tongue, the pressure/pain sensation in my legs improved.  This was a surprising development, as I did not even realize that the pain in my feet and legs was due to neuropathy, much less a B12 deficiency.

This is the one I used:  Now Foods, Instant Energy B12, 2000 mcg.
iHerb was the vendor at which I found a good price. http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=5286

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum has written good information about treating neuropathy.
Effective Treatment for Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
http://www.endfatigue-dev.com/health_articles_o-q/Pain-effective_treatment_neuropathic.html

Book Notes for "Pain Free 1-2-3"
Chapter 4: Focusing on Nerve Pain
http://www.endfatigue.com/book_notes/Pf123_chapter_4.html

BTW, the blood tests for Lyme are not reliable, and miss many cases.
The doctor should evaluate the patient's symptoms and diagnose based on that, which is known as a clinical diagnosis.
Most physicians look at the negative test and tell the patient that he doesn't have Lyme, which means that many people end up misdiagnosed.
If you want more information, contact me.

Wishing you the best,
Carol

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,

Do not use vitamin B12  in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested every 3 to 6 months. This will help your doctor determine the correct dose and how long to treat you with cyanocobalamin. Increase B12 in diet with: red meat, poultry and eggs ,dairy products ,f ish.

Refer http://www.drugs.com/mtm/vitamin-b-12.html
Best