Any Help With My Symptoms... Please!!! - Neuropathy Message Board

bgirl3 · 03-23-2005, 02:45 PM

Hi... I'm new to the board. I found it while searching some more for whatever it is that is wrong with me. If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate them.

I am 28 years old, female, 3 children, and in pretty good health. I have had 3 strange 'episodes' within the past year and a half. Each of these lasts for around 1-2 months. They have been a year apart and 3 months apart. My symptoms at the time are: numbness and tingling in arms and legs... it seems to start at my fingers and toes and work its way up, feet and hands fall asleep very easy, joint pain... fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, hips, extreme fatigue, shooting pains down my spine, back ache, and neck pain.

Now, I may be forgetting a few... there seems to be so many symptoms. I also have these strange 'shocks' in my head. My doctor has yet to figure out why anyone would have them and has even told me that it is not possible. These electrical 'shocks' only last for a second. They seem to be easily brought on by fast eye movement. These happen quite frequently, not just during an 'episode'.

I have had an MRI on my upper and lower spine and an EMG on my arms along with much bloodwork for arthritis... all negative. There is nothing abnormal at the time when these 'episodes' begin... no extra stress, illness, etc.

I have an appointment with a neurologist, but not until June. The pain gets really bad and it gets to the point where I am limping around. Different positions seem to make my feet and hands fall asleep faster. There is the 'heavy' asleep and 'pins & needles'. It is also much worse in the morning or after sitting still for a long period... like my body freezes up.

Any help?!?!
Thanks!!!

eep2 · 03-24-2005, 09:44 AM

You probably have already had it checked, but if not, definitely get your vitamin b12 level checked, and get the actual numbers of your b12 level, not just a "normal" result from the doctor. You can have neurological problems with a low normal result. Normal range runs from 250-1100.

Also Celiac Disease (an intolerance to foods containing gluten found in wheat, barley and rye) can cause neurological problems in the absense of gastrointestinal symptoms, the more recognized symptoms of the disease that doctors look for. A blood test can give a pretty definite diagnosis if you have this.

Just a couple of thoughts.

k9stylist · 03-25-2005, 09:09 PM

Not sure about your other symptoms but as to the "shocks" to your head, do a search on Trigeminal Neuralgia. Sounds like it could be that, that was my original dx but the neuro and I decided it is not that as my pain is sustained. Good Luck to you.

bgirl3 · 03-26-2005, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the input. I checked into the B12 and Celiacs Disease... they both sound like possibilities that I will bring up with my PCP. I also looked into the trigeminal neuralgia, but I don't think that is it. The 'shocks' that I get are not that painful... just annoying. It is inside of my head, not in my face.

I am getting frustrated at this pain and weakness. My PCP was telling me that maybe it is just stress. Ugh!?!?! I know it isn't. My joints are snapping now and my legs and arms are getting very weak.

Thank you again for any suggestions!

Kathim · 03-28-2005, 08:34 AM

Just a thought that a workup with a RHeumatologist should be done. I know you said you were seeing a Neurologist but not til June. A Rheumy could rule out all auto-immune problems. I was in the same boat for 6 years before being dx with LUPUS by then the neuropathy got so bad I am in bad shape with it now.

It seems you are seeking on your own and this is what you MUST do.......dont stop til you have some valid answers.

Kathi