Seeking Answers: A Frustrating Delay in Neurological Care
Age 31, based in the UK, I lead an active lifestyle, steering clear of alcohol and drugs. I typically walk about 4-5 miles daily, manage without any ongoing medications, and pride myself on being physically fit. To summarize my situation, in November 2024, I began experiencing unusual sensations in my right shoulder, reminiscent of an arm that has fallen asleep or been struck. This was accompanied by tingling sensations radiating down my arm. Unfortunately, the situation worsened; I started facing significant weakness, frequently dropping items, and enduring severe cramps in my hand. Subsequently, my right foot also succumbed to these symptoms, where moving my toes triggered agonizing cramps, sometimes making it impossible to move them at all. On particularly bad days, I struggle to lift my leg when lying down flat. I also endure shooting pains that affect my arm, hand, and foot. By January, similar symptoms began to manifest on my left side. The severity of weakness and symptoms fluctuates hourly, but they remain constant. I now experience shooting pains in both arms, discomfort at the base of my skull, observable muscle twitches in my chest, shoulders, and arms throughout the day. Cramps in my hands and feet have become more frequent and have now extended to my hips. The persistent tingling in my feet occurs around the clock, leaving me feeling incredibly weak and fatigued. I also find myself stumbling regularly, and various parts of my body experience numbness or altered sensations at different times of the day. I have undergone an MRI scan of my brain and spine, which revealed three bulging discs in my cervical spine and two in my lower back. However, my general practitioner insists these issues are not severe enough to be the cause of my current symptoms. Although my GP acknowledges that I exhibit many symptoms characteristic of multiple sclerosis, my MRI has shown no signs of demyelination, leading them to rule out that diagnosis. I have also had blood tests conducted to check for deficiencies or autoimmune conditions, all of which returned normal results. Consequently, my GP has referred me to a neurologist, but the waiting list on the NHS in my locality exceeds a year. I am reaching out to see if anyone can provide insights into my situation. My condition is deteriorating, and I find myself no closer to obtaining a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The note accompanying my referral from the doctor states, "x is becoming disabled," yet the urgency of the referral is not marked as high.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 11:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health. It’s clear that you’re experiencing significant and distressing symptoms. Based on what you’ve described, there is a need for a thorough investigation into the cause of your neurological symptoms. Here's a summary of important points and what you can consider moving forward.
Key Points:
- Nature of Symptoms: You have described widespread neurological symptoms including tingling, weakness, cramps, and shooting pains, which are affecting both sides of your body.
- Investigations So Far: You've had an MRI showing bulging discs, and blood tests that returned normal results. Your GP has ruled out MS based on the current MRI findings.
- Referral Delay: You’re facing a significant delay in seeing a neurologist, which can be frustrating and concerning.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, characterized by neurological changes, do raise valid concerns, especially since they're progressively worsening. While bulging discs can lead to nerve compression, the range and severity of the symptoms, alongside their bilateral presentation, suggest that a careful re-evaluation may be necessary. Common causes of such symptoms can include issues like neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, or other neurological disorders, which might not always show up on initial imaging or tests.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note the intensity, frequency, and triggers of each symptom. This can provide valuable information to healthcare providers when you do see a neurologist. It might also help you identify patterns related to your activities or dietary changes.
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Physical Therapy: Consider engaging in physical therapy focused on strengthening exercises and strategies to manage your symptoms. A physiotherapist can also help you with techniques that may reduce muscle cramps and improve mobility.
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Pain Management Strategies: Explore non-pharmacological pain management techniques such as hot/cold therapy, stretching, and relaxation exercises. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen can be used if you have no contraindications (always follow dosing instructions).
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Explore Alternative Clinics: If your condition is worsening and you feel the need for more immediate care, you might look into private clinics or alternative options for seeing a neurologist, possibly outside of the NHS framework.
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Stay Educated: Familiarize yourself with potential conditions that might match your symptoms, such as forms of neuropathy or myopathy, and engage in discussions with support groups online—this can provide support as well as insight.
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Nutrition and Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins that support nerve health, such as B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) along with omega-3 fatty acids. Staying active, as you currently do, is beneficial, but be cautious with exercises that trigger symptoms.
Closing Remarks:
Your health challenges are understandably distressing, and being in a state of limbo is hard. While waiting for a definitive answer can be frustrating, keeping track of your symptoms and exploring supportive measures can empower you in this difficult period. You deserve proper care, so seeking avenues that may expedite your access to a specialist could be very beneficial. Please reach out if you need more support or resources.
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