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.
A pancoast tumor is extremely rare. No cxr of the lungs done? Smoker?
The problems sounds pure neuro in nature to me relating to your spine. TOS possibly? When was your last MRI done. I would recommend having the C-spine MRI repeated if it has been a while and a MRI of your Thoracic spine done.
The problems sounds pure neuro in nature to me relating to your spine. TOS possibly? When was your last MRI done. I would recommend having the C-spine MRI repeated if it has been a while and a MRI of your Thoracic spine done.
Yes I am a smoker... TOS? My last MRI of my c-spie was 3/7/11. Stll waiting to see neuro on 4/20 as my pcp said he needed to order more MRI's..... I do have Peripheral Neuropathy secondary to Pernicious Anemia, neurosurg I saw did not think that my arm issue was from spine, Peripheral Neuropathy or Ulnar Nerve.
Well, is the Pernicious Anemia being managed? This sounds NOTHING like a primary ulnar nerve problem. Whatever it is could be affecting your ulnar nerve.
This Neurologist needs to order more images of your spine like I had mentioned in my previous post. No one has ordered imaging of your lungs; a simple chest x-ray or CT? Hmmm, that's strange, especially since you are a smoker.
TOS=Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The Neurologist should be able to rule this out with an assessment and imaging.
This Neurologist needs to order more images of your spine like I had mentioned in my previous post. No one has ordered imaging of your lungs; a simple chest x-ray or CT? Hmmm, that's strange, especially since you are a smoker.
TOS=Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The Neurologist should be able to rule this out with an assessment and imaging.
I did actually have a chest x-ray at the local ER & although it was "cloudy" as the Dr put it, he said it was alright & referred me to a primary care facility because my symptoms were nothing he could fix at the moment. (those were his words exactly)
Because I have a degenerating spine caused by the Pernicious Anemia (Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Chord) I have had many pictures of my spine, but nothing in the present except for the c-spine. The Neurosurgeon I saw last did not feel that the spinal degeneration was causing any of my symptoms (stabbing pain in left lung, now right, night sweats, test. pain which in turn is causing stomach pain, and besides my arm atrophying I also have tingling next to my spine on left side starting around the bottum of my neck and radiating down about 5-10 inches.) And said (I am not sure if I typed this before) 'whatever you have is very serious and needs to be taken care of right away' but all he could do was tell my primary to ref. my somewhere else. So obviously you can see my fear.....
Because I have a degenerating spine caused by the Pernicious Anemia (Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Chord) I have had many pictures of my spine, but nothing in the present except for the c-spine. The Neurosurgeon I saw last did not feel that the spinal degeneration was causing any of my symptoms (stabbing pain in left lung, now right, night sweats, test. pain which in turn is causing stomach pain, and besides my arm atrophying I also have tingling next to my spine on left side starting around the bottum of my neck and radiating down about 5-10 inches.) And said (I am not sure if I typed this before) 'whatever you have is very serious and needs to be taken care of right away' but all he could do was tell my primary to ref. my somewhere else. So obviously you can see my fear.....
When did you have the imaging of your chest and all the other "pictures" of your spine? (not including the c-spine imaging in March)
I would HIGHLY recommend getting a CT of your thorax/chest done. That would at least rule out Pancoast tumor or comfirm it or find something else abnormal.
I would HIGHLY recommend getting a CT of your thorax/chest done. That would at least rule out Pancoast tumor or comfirm it or find something else abnormal.
I am not sure if this site is case sensitive so I will re-post my last post. If you did recieve it sorry.
It stated.....
The chest x-ray was in Feb., and except for the c-spine, probably 2 plus years ago. I do go see a Neurologist on the 20th and hopefully he will order the MRI of the Brachial Plexus. (Is thorax/chest included in that image?)
It seems that if it is neurological and making my muscles atrophy so fast it can not be anything with a decent quality of life. Maybe if it is a pancoast tumor they can fix me and I can start working again!
Since you work in health care do you know of any neurological diseases or neuromuscular diseases that have these symptoms?
I know its bad to look online but this has been going on for so long that if I can nudge the Dr in the right direction to a speedy dx I would appreciate it.
God Bless
It stated.....
The chest x-ray was in Feb., and except for the c-spine, probably 2 plus years ago. I do go see a Neurologist on the 20th and hopefully he will order the MRI of the Brachial Plexus. (Is thorax/chest included in that image?)
It seems that if it is neurological and making my muscles atrophy so fast it can not be anything with a decent quality of life. Maybe if it is a pancoast tumor they can fix me and I can start working again!
Since you work in health care do you know of any neurological diseases or neuromuscular diseases that have these symptoms?
I know its bad to look online but this has been going on for so long that if I can nudge the Dr in the right direction to a speedy dx I would appreciate it.
God Bless
I had mentioned a couple of times in earlier posts about the possibility this could be TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome). Thoracic/chest is NOT included in an MRI of the Brachial Plexus.
All the best.
All the best.
Had spoken with my Dr, he did not feel it was TOS. Said I had symptoms that did not match it, but thank you nonetheless.
Sorry, I meant he said tos did not include night sweats, trouble breathing, testicular pain, weight loss, etc....
Good luck to you.
-C.Raab Ph.D.
Good luck to you.
-C.Raab Ph.D.
The other possibility is you have two different things going on.
Without more imaging it is really impossible to say or give an educated guess about exactly what it is. I would recommend the Neurologist get images of your thoracic spine and lumbar spine for starts. I would leave it to the Neurologist to properly diagnose you and hopefully that will be speedy. I am just giving you possibilities.
Without more imaging it is really impossible to say or give an educated guess about exactly what it is. I would recommend the Neurologist get images of your thoracic spine and lumbar spine for starts. I would leave it to the Neurologist to properly diagnose you and hopefully that will be speedy. I am just giving you possibilities.
Yeah... sorry if that sounded "snappy". Its just I am getting weaker a weaker by the day and I just want an answer, and like I said the Drs are slow here. I understand they are busy, but it still *****. I see a neurologist and Hematologist/Oncologist on the 20th so hopefully they will figure this out. I miss not working :(
It is understandable that you want answers quick, however you need the proper/correct answers. Unfortuantely, there is a wait time. These situations are very stressful and can wreck havoc on one's life. Hopefully these physicians can sort the situation out quicky. Sometimes things are just not that "clear-cut" and "easy" to figure out. You definitely need more imaging and labs ordered. I would be especially concerned about the questionable/hazy chest x-ray. Hopefully, someone will order an imaging of your chest/thorax area; i.e. CT with contrast also. Like I said, it could be two different problems altogether.
What are you taking for pain control? Doesn't sounds like it is working very well.
I try to give people good, sound advice on MH. Do I have all the answers, well, no. I am always correct, doubt it. I am definitely no physician either. Plus, it is very difficult to assess someone's situation over the internet. I do this because I enjoy trying to help people.
The 20th will be here in 4 days. Hang in there. :)
What are you taking for pain control? Doesn't sounds like it is working very well.
I try to give people good, sound advice on MH. Do I have all the answers, well, no. I am always correct, doubt it. I am definitely no physician either. Plus, it is very difficult to assess someone's situation over the internet. I do this because I enjoy trying to help people.
The 20th will be here in 4 days. Hang in there. :)
The other possibility that I thought about was some sort of cancer, i.e. Leukemia (CLL or AML) causing all these neuro problems.
Sure, you can have neuro symptoms with AML or CLL. My background is Oncology.
ALS crossed my mind, but not all your symptoms match.
I would recommend you try to relax before your appointments. Try to get your mind off all this.
Like I said, I am giving pure guesses.
ALS crossed my mind, but not all your symptoms match.
I would recommend you try to relax before your appointments. Try to get your mind off all this.
Like I said, I am giving pure guesses.
Just to keep you posted, I "failed" horribly on my Neurological exam. I did not even realize that I have diminished sensation from my pectorals to me feet. He scheduled me for a bunch of tests on fri. MRI's of the brain, c-spine again with & w/out contrast, also thoracic, spinal tap, multiple blood tests. In May redoing EMG & NCS on both arms & legs. If that doesn't dx me, brachial plexus, etc.... He did state as did the NeuroSurg. that I am running out of time and need to be treated ASAP! Duh right? G-d Bless.I skipped my Hema./Onc. appt. today, I was so tired, but rescheduled next wed.. Motor Neuron disease is seeming very much a possibility now.... not ALS, but maybe MMN or PLS a slower variant of ALS.
That's life huh? Hope your doing well.
G-d Bless.
That's life huh? Hope your doing well.
G-d Bless.
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?
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
