What do you think?

[zoltanvarga]

I'll try to keep this breif. I am 36 year old mother of 3 with a multitude of symptoms . Six months ago I noticed 3 toes on my right foot were numb, 3 weeks later the numbness was up to the top of my right leg I woke the next day with the same in left leg. My G.P thought trapped nerve  4weeks later numbness & pins &needles in both hands also a bit unsteady on my feet in shower ect . Now my bowels are not too good  nothing for 3/4 days then diahorrea for 2 then back to nothing. This week I have muscles like "popeye" in legs & tops of arms > Pain is like ache or headache in mostly my legs also heat sensation. No pain in eyes but when reading a book the words are some times distorted. I had a "spposed" trapped nerve in my neck 6 years ago which comes and goes still  also had numbness tingley fingers then . I have been refered for tests but not till April. G.P now thinks I have a"nerve" problem like maybe they are sending wrong signals to my muscles.I don't usualy scare easily but this is pretty scary What do you think this may be? Thanks for your time  Anne ps you may not have noticed but I'm not from US but Scottish (not so hot with hospitals here).

[zoltanvarga]

Hey Graham how are you? I finally have a diagnosis!! It seems I have a growth on my spinal chord at the neck, I've been referred to a neurosurgeon at the western general in Edinburgh to have it removed. They don't think it's cancerous but won't know for sure until they remove and test it. At least I know more about what I'm dealing with now!! Hope you are feeling better Graham . Good health to you and your family. Anne

[zoltanvarga]

Hi guys well I finally made it and have been seen at hospital. I failed most of the leg tests ( couldn't feel most of em!) and have been referred for an MRI of the head and neck. Question ? The doc said my reflexes are brisk  any one know what that means???

[Gato]

Little Known Neurological Side Effects Of Prev - Pak

In nov 02, I went to emerg room, stomach pains, blood.
Diag as peptic ulcer. Pres Pre Pak( Prevacid, amoxicillin, and another antidody (Biofaxin? ) to kill bacterium.
Three days into taking muscles began to swell , and tingling and burning occured when stretched arms. General MD prescribed steroids ( not good to take with a ulcer )anyway,the pre pak treatment is for 14 days. I fought every time about taking because i knew the swelling and pain that would occur. Numbness developed in thumb, forefinger, and middle on right hand.Dr. says no way prev pak causing. Completed treatment, and yes I have had no more pblms with ulcer. Instead the numbness enlarged
to include wrist ( as in carparal tunnel ) forearms  . . . and weakness in shoulder, not only on left side but right side also.
Cant lift an empty box, button a shirt etc ...
went to Neurologist, Blood work ok (B12, RA, Cbc, Sed rate)
All went to hell at shock and neddle test. Dr was perplexed, as groups of nerves , isolated and unrelated were dead or damaged. Muscles, useless in some areas.His thoughts: Possible lung tumor invading bracial   ... but would have to occured on both sides  . .  spinal tumor? Tranverse Myeletis ? Take chest x and mri this week, but feel confident (as does he ) they will be negative.
Searched the internet for side effects of Pre Pak... was hidden but found the following: Occuring in less than 3% is Myalgia,Myasthenia, Synovitis,and Paresthesia.

[graham]

Sorry you are also not feeling well.
You mentioned your b12 level was normal, do you know what it was?
There is a great deal of debate on what lower level is acceptable with b12.If it is low normal you could have further checks done.
Once you find what your level was, post it here or have a look at braintalk.org in the peripheral neuropathy forum where  there is very useful information and people to advise you on that count.
If your level is high at least you'll know that's not your problem.

Good luck
Graham

[wadebt]

Hello Anne and others,

I have had very similar symptoms (actually identical) to these for about 8 months now. Some days are better than others. I would be interested in hearing from anyone with similar symptoms and any diagnoses they have received. It would help all with such symptoms to know where the answers may lie. I've had thyroid, B12 and other tests; all were normal. If anyone wants to e-mail me its ***@****

[zoltanvarga]

Thanks doctor, My GP did some blood tests & they came back ok but I don't know what they were. Time I started asking him some questions. I'll let you know how I get on .Thanks again . Anne

[graham]

Anne, I really don't know what would cause the puffing up of you muscles. I know you feel you have MS, but wait and see how the tests go.

I also thought I had MS at the start of my symptoms, in fact I was certain of it, but it was not the case.
I hope you get an answer from the Neurologist on the site, he may be able to give other reasons for your symptoms.

Hang in there, I know it's not easy but try to stay positive.

Best of luck,
Graham

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

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. It sound like some of them could represent what's called a peripheral neuropathy, which is an abnormality of the nerves in your limbs. An EMG or electromyogram is a special test that evaluates the integrity of your muscles and nerves and would be quite helpful for someone like you. BUt if you are waiting for some specialized testing, there are some simple tests you GP can order such as a B12 level, routine electrolyte panel,blood count, thyroid panel and a check for diabetes - all of which are correctable causes of peripheral neuropathies. A formal neurological examination would also be helpful. Talk to your docs about a possible referral and some simple lab studies. Good luck.

[graham]

Anne, yes I do get sore and weak arms and thigh muscles regularly, sometimes they feel like lead.
I don't drop things regulary, but I am aware of being clumsy, especially with small articles and don't feel too sure footed.

I do have better days than others, from what I've read, and others have told me, it is very common in conditions like Chronic Fatigue/ME/Fibromyalgia and neurological problems. I think that constantly trying to deal with a problem that wont go away is  draining, and that creates it's own problems. Try to stay possitive, it will help.

Although, as I said before, b12 may not be anything to do with your problems, don't be worried about asking for these tests, any unexplained fatigue with neurological symptoms should set off alarm bells with doctors who are aware of this condition, sadly many are years behind the studies into this matter.

I hope you get on well at the hospital.

Best of luck,
Graham

[zoltanvarga]

Graham, thanks for your comment. I agree our symptoms are very similar. Do you ever get sore arms with very small tasks like polishing shoes? Or sore thigh muscles mearly from going up stairs? Also I drop things a LOT I work in a supermarket and smash a lot of jars & bottles of wine . I just don't have much grip! My symtoms seem to change almost daily ,like I have good days & bad days are you the same? Don't know if i'll mention these tests you said to my G.P maybe keep them for hospital visit .  Thanks again for your comment Good health to you  Anne

[zoltanvarga]

Can't help but think MS for some reason it sticks . I think i've looked too far into the technical sites!! Today I have solid muscles in biceps,calves & back of thighs very weird, makes me look like Mr. Universe ! Even noticible under my clothes!

[graham]

Sorry to hear about all your problems, I know from experience that unexplained symptoms can be very worrying.
I have been having problems for over four years now and the reason I am replying is that many of mine are similar to yours.

I wont detail them all but if you check the question (21 below your question) titled "Chronic Fatigue or b12 causing Neurological Problems" you will see the similarities.

Certainly b12 deficiency can cause fatigue, vision problems( when I read a newspaper there is always movement between the lines and bright colours, particularly blue and orange, stand out) and neurological symptoms like yours and mine.

Of course it may have nothing to do with it but if your doctor has not checked your b12 level, and equally important, your methylmelonic acid and homocysteine levels, then please ask him to do so.

I know there is a great deal of debate about what is an acceptable b12 level and this seems to differ between countries and doctors.

I, like you, stay in Scotland and whilst my doc thinks my levels are normal, I know many people, unfortunately all in the US, think otherwise and I am stuck with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causing physical symptoms.
I hope you get sorted out soon.

Best of luck,

Graham

[zoltanvarga]

Sorry forgot to mention I am very tierd too , never seem to get enough sleep usualy 8 hours but exhaustd all day sometimes manage a few hour mid morning! Thanx Anne

[zoltanvarga]

So wound up about this I forget some symptoms!! I also have been haveing feet cramps where my big toe goes behind the rest also calf muscle cramps > Sorry for being so long winded!!