Aa
Pleas help me.
Over the past year and a half I have had severe muscle atrophy, pain, loss of function in my left arm, (drs thought it was the ulnar nerve as they were similar symptoms but a neurosurg I saw said no) also sharp, stabbing pain in my left lung region, tingling down my spine and my right side rib cage is numb to touch. night sweats, loss of breath, and over that past few months I have been getting severe pain in my testes which at times make my stomach hurt so much I double over. I had an MRI of my c-spine wich showed compression from c3 down to c7 (that was as far down as the MRI went) it also showed narrowing (mild) of the spine but no stenosis and no mylopathy or herniation of any sorts. I know my symptoms match a pancoast tumor, but I was wondering if it could be something else? My left arm will not stop hurting even though I am prescribed a lot of pain meds. I can not take this much longer and my appt. for a Neurologist is not until 4/20.
Sorry I wanted to add that lately I have had trouble swallowing, sometimes I get coughing spells so bad I need an inhaler to catch my breath. It is a dry cough, feels like I have something on the back of my throat that cant be "fixed" or come up for lack of a better word. I am also getting so tired that even standing is hard and need to sit down. I just cant wait until they figure this out.
I was thinking Lymphoma too because my nodes under my jaw... the sub something have been swollen a year plus and are now painful. Plus some other things I am to embaressed to talk about. My Dr is having me get a parneoplastic panel with some other blood work. I was supposed to have another ct scan on 7/7 but Pulmonoligist canceled it and now my appt. is on the 6th. If I were to guess to schedule a biopsy or biopsies as there were the lesions (am I correct that lesions are masses? one of the Dr's said that) I think you are aware that I have multiple medical problems, My Neuro exam was extremely bad with walking, balance, etc... but MRI of Brain was OK though, but the MRI of back was not good, narrowed, but he said what ever it is is effecting both. Symptoms that is.... odd huh? You have been a big help to me and I will let you know what is going on after the 6th. ttyl
Oh, I am sorry, I didn't answer your question about people recovering. Yes, you can but it will depend on how fast you receive treatment and if you have a ton of other medical problems going on along with this.
Sorry, that was a typo. My typing sometimes isn't the best, sorry. I meant MD.
Lymphomas can be very difficult to diagnose because they can mimic so many other things.
Paraneoplastic is referring to a syndrome that is the result from cancer, i.e. lung cancer, lymphoma, etc. If I were to guess, I think you are dealing with a Lymphoma. My second guess would be Lung CA.
Never heard of any Erhid-Chesters disease. Is that the correct spelling? I have heard of Churg-Strauss Syndrome, but that is EXTREMELY rare. I have never taken care of a patient with that. I am not so sure that is your diagnosis. I am thinking Lymphoma or some sort of cancer. However, I am no docter, so.......
Keep me posted.
Lymphomas can be very difficult to diagnose because they can mimic so many other things.
Paraneoplastic is referring to a syndrome that is the result from cancer, i.e. lung cancer, lymphoma, etc. If I were to guess, I think you are dealing with a Lymphoma. My second guess would be Lung CA.
Never heard of any Erhid-Chesters disease. Is that the correct spelling? I have heard of Churg-Strauss Syndrome, but that is EXTREMELY rare. I have never taken care of a patient with that. I am not so sure that is your diagnosis. I am thinking Lymphoma or some sort of cancer. However, I am no docter, so.......
Keep me posted.
I was just reading above and noticed you wrote adult MS, the dr was thinking adult onset muscular dystrophy. But now he does not think that. If it is Paraneoplastic have you ever heard of people getting better at that point?
ECD is erhid-chesters dieasese I think its similar to churg-stauss, at least in the same catagory. I did mean I thought lymphoma would be easy to diagnose from like a blood test, but I guess not.
I don't know what "ECD" means.
What would be easy to diagnose? Cancer/Lymphoma? Not always.
Well, keep me posted.
What would be easy to diagnose? Cancer/Lymphoma? Not always.
Well, keep me posted.
I have an appt. with one next wed. They were going to wait until august but I called to see if they had my medical records and they did not, so now they got me in at the earliest appt.The Drs I saw at Penn State think maybe Paraneoplastic syndrome. Had mentioned ECD, Erhid-Chester? And a few others but they think the paraneo fits the best at the moment. I was wondering about lymphoma because my lymphnodes under my jaw have been enlarged and painful for over a year. Is it possable that they could have missed that for so long? I mean to where its causing other health, neuro, cardio, problems? I would think that would be one of those illnesses that is easy to dx by like a cbc but you would no more than me.
Adult MS? What? That makes no sense.
Find out how big the lesions are and get them biopsied if they are big enough ASAP!! Also, get a referral to a Pulmonologist.
Find out how big the lesions are and get them biopsied if they are big enough ASAP!! Also, get a referral to a Pulmonologist.
Sorry I haven't gotten back to let you know whats happening. I am so confused at the moment, my CT showered 3 lesions in my chest/lung area (not sure if they are on the lung or not, when nurse called she simply stated what the CT showed not exactly where). My Dr seems to think it is 2 different dxs. I go see a Neuromuscular Dr on Monday for more testing ie.- spinal tap, blood tests, etc... (I get the impression they are looking for adult onset MD or something like that) I don't really think his theory is correct, I am wondering if lymphoma or something could cause my symptoms? or as I have Barrett's Esoph., if the cells could have traveled?
Hmmm? It will be interesting to find out the final diagnosis.
Please keep me updated.
Please keep me updated.
While waiting on my MRI results of chest/brachial plexus, Dr told me my liver & kidney test were off and that I have Polyneuropathy. With everything I read about Polyneuropathy we are pretty sure what the results will be as I am not diabetic or HIV positive, do not drink or take drugs. (well pain meds, muscle atrophy & bad spine) I will write with the MRI results.
Quick question. With the symptoms stated above, and nerve damage in the Brachial Plexus without injury... is there anything else it could be besides cancer? All the other illnesses you have mentioned have been ruled out except..... well I think all have been ruled out but I see my Dr's next week to get my test results so I will know more then.
I have only been to France once & thought it was a great place. My family is from Austria so we used to go skiing in the Alps for winter break. I haven't been over there in a while & have tried to convince my wife to move to Europe (anywhere other than the US, lol) as I have dual citizenship. This is before I got sick and because of her MS she was worried about the health care and if we could get licensed to work abroad.
I will look into those hospitals after I see my Dr (if that is my final dx, I am basing my assumption about it based on 3yrs of med school, my symptoms, and the test results so far) I am still hoping it is not that, but sometimes my... our fears outweigh our hope.
I will look into those hospitals after I see my Dr (if that is my final dx, I am basing my assumption about it based on 3yrs of med school, my symptoms, and the test results so far) I am still hoping it is not that, but sometimes my... our fears outweigh our hope.
Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center in Philly and Lombardi Cancer Center in Georgetown.
I live in France now, so I don't keep up with how US hospitals are ranked as far as cancer treatment.
I live in France now, so I don't keep up with how US hospitals are ranked as far as cancer treatment.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
I am sorry to read all this about your case but am happy about the wonderful help you are getting here despite the constraints of net.
Muscle atrophy occurs mainly due to a nerve pathology or due to a muscle cause. In your case that’s how the tests are being done. Was a CPK-MB done? Creatinine kinase of MB variant is raised in muscle causes.
Other causes of muscle wasting are causes related to unexplained weight loss—the atrophy is secondary. There are many causes like worms in stool, depression, anorexia nervosa, AIDS, cancers especially colon cancers, drug abuse, infections and loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can again be due to certain medications, drug abuse, depression, AIDS, acute and chronic infections, cancers and hypothyroidism. Either you do not eat well or there is increased metabolism as in hyperthyroid states, HIV, cancer etc. Poor absorption as in irritable bowel syndromes and malabsorption syndromes too is possible. Malabsorption syndromes are seen in intestinal tuberculosis, HIV, tropical sprue, parasites in stool and Whipple’s Disease. Diabetes too can be the cause. Have all these been ruled out?
Upper motor neuron disease presents with spasticity, brisk reflexes, and lower with muscle wasting and weakness. Lower motor neuron also cause fibrillations and fasciculation, also your grip will weaken. See if all this is present.
Please discuss these issues with a PCP and try and rule out other causes. Take care!
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
I am sorry to read all this about your case but am happy about the wonderful help you are getting here despite the constraints of net.
Muscle atrophy occurs mainly due to a nerve pathology or due to a muscle cause. In your case that’s how the tests are being done. Was a CPK-MB done? Creatinine kinase of MB variant is raised in muscle causes.
Other causes of muscle wasting are causes related to unexplained weight loss—the atrophy is secondary. There are many causes like worms in stool, depression, anorexia nervosa, AIDS, cancers especially colon cancers, drug abuse, infections and loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can again be due to certain medications, drug abuse, depression, AIDS, acute and chronic infections, cancers and hypothyroidism. Either you do not eat well or there is increased metabolism as in hyperthyroid states, HIV, cancer etc. Poor absorption as in irritable bowel syndromes and malabsorption syndromes too is possible. Malabsorption syndromes are seen in intestinal tuberculosis, HIV, tropical sprue, parasites in stool and Whipple’s Disease. Diabetes too can be the cause. Have all these been ruled out?
Upper motor neuron disease presents with spasticity, brisk reflexes, and lower with muscle wasting and weakness. Lower motor neuron also cause fibrillations and fasciculation, also your grip will weaken. See if all this is present.
Please discuss these issues with a PCP and try and rule out other causes. Take care!
So I had the last of my tests done today, (an EMG & NVC) & see my Drs on the 8th & 9th of June for the results. The EMG showed nerve damage of the Brachial Plexus... so I am thinking that it probably is a Pancoast Tumor? If that is the dx can you recommend a good hospital to go to? I live in PA & being you work in Oncology I thought that you might know a good one to go to.
It it possible you could be hiv+ and your wife and son not. That can happen; not saying that is it, just saying it can happen.
Well, hopefully you get the answers you need soon.
Well, hopefully you get the answers you need soon.
He is waiting to get all the test results first. I could tell by his face he inks its major (I am a psychologist but I dont see pts anymore, so reading people is my specialty) but I don't think he wanted to worry my wife or I more than necessary, or we already are. I do not think MS though, my wife has had that for 14 and although some of our symptoms match.... he also said he wanted an hiv test but as my last one was a year ago I doubt it. Plus wouldnt my wife and son have it?
I am tired, kinda skipped working today (my wife and I run a non-profit foundation raising money for pts needs, not to be confused with research as most do. You know, medical bills, medications, surgerys, ambulatory devices, etc.... weird twist of faith huh? WTYL -C
I am tired, kinda skipped working today (my wife and I run a non-profit foundation raising money for pts needs, not to be confused with research as most do. You know, medical bills, medications, surgerys, ambulatory devices, etc.... weird twist of faith huh? WTYL -C
Thank goodness this physician is putting a "rush" on this. You need it. See what the Neuro finds.
MND is a group of diseases that affect motor neurons, really is not a specific diagnosis. ALS falls under this category. Like I said in an earlier post, some of your symptoms fit ALS but not all. That doesn't mean that cannot be a possibility just because you don't have every symptom, etc. posted on the web. Sometimes, patients present atypical with a disorder or disease. There are so many diseases that fall under MND. He definitely needs to get those images of your spine ASAP, as I had mentioned in my earlier posts. It could be something that is NOT in the MND, i.e. MS.
Well, what EXACTLY is the Neuro's opinion? Or is he waiting to complete the testing before making an opinion?
MND is a group of diseases that affect motor neurons, really is not a specific diagnosis. ALS falls under this category. Like I said in an earlier post, some of your symptoms fit ALS but not all. That doesn't mean that cannot be a possibility just because you don't have every symptom, etc. posted on the web. Sometimes, patients present atypical with a disorder or disease. There are so many diseases that fall under MND. He definitely needs to get those images of your spine ASAP, as I had mentioned in my earlier posts. It could be something that is NOT in the MND, i.e. MS.
Well, what EXACTLY is the Neuro's opinion? Or is he waiting to complete the testing before making an opinion?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.
