OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Weakness: My Journey Through Medical Challenges

As a 35-year-old male weighing 140 lbs, my health took a downward turn in April 2021 after I received my first COVID-19 vaccination in my left arm. Following the shot, I experienced a racing heart and night sweats, which were soon accompanied by an aching pain in my left shoulder blade that radiated down my arm. Additionally, I developed a sunburn-like sensitivity on the inside of my elbow and felt discomfort in my hips and behind my knees. When I consulted my primary care physician, he noted that some individuals experience more pain post-vaccination than others and encouraged me to proceed with the second shot. May 2021 saw my symptoms persist, so I returned for the second dose in my left arm. This time, I encountered tingling sensations in my lower legs and feet, with widespread aches throughout my body. Just two days later, while attempting to lift a garbage can with my right arm, I was hit by sudden pain and weakness in my right shoulder area, accompanied by audible popping and clicking sounds. I sought advice from an orthopedic specialist, who conducted x-rays on both shoulders. He reassured me that structurally everything looked fine and dismissed the popping as inconsequential. When I mentioned my neck pain, he stated that he was unable to address neck issues and merely referred me for physical therapy to manage my diagnosed bilateral shoulder and neck pain. The very next day, while adjusting my position in my chair by leaning on the left armrest, I found my left arm immediately became weak, mimicking the troubling symptoms I had previously experienced in my right arm. Upon calling the orthopedic office to report this incident, a physician's assistant informed me that the doctor wouldn’t see me again unless I had undergone physical therapy and suggested a visit to a neurologist if weakness persisted. I also began to notice episodes where my left knee would buckle unexpectedly, causing me to limp. During a follow-up visit to my GP to discuss these developments, he appeared unfazed and stated that my blood tests came back normal. By the summer of 2021, I had started physical therapy, where my therapist diagnosed me with strains in the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. However, she dismissed my knee issues despite my evident struggle to walk. In one evaluation, she pressed on my spine, triggering excruciating pain that lingered for days, yet she shrugged it off in our next session. The subsequent appointments focused on rigorous exercises that offered neither comfort nor improvement in strength and stability; I often felt as though I could break apart using the arm bike and weight machines. Despite my repeated inquiries about the possibility of tears or nerve issues, she remained adamant that nothing was wrong. Frustrated by the lack of progress after ten sessions, I decided to discontinue physical therapy. In March 2022, an unrelated visit to a podiatrist led me to reveal my ongoing physical struggles. Concerned by my condition, she advised me to see a neurologist promptly. By this time, I had begun to notice twitching in my upper arms as well. In April 2022, my visit to a neurologist was disheartening. I struggled to lift myself onto the examination table and needed assistance. The neurologist expressed skepticism about my issues being neurological and declined to conduct an EMG or further evaluate my symptoms. Fast forward to the present, I have almost completely given up on pursuing further medical assistance since 2022, hoping my condition would resolve itself. However, things have only worsened, prompting me to seek help again now. Current Symptoms: I experience pain and weakness across my shoulder blades, neck, upper back, trapezius muscles, shoulders, and arms, with some weakness extending into my wrists and hands. My left thumb appears twitchy and unstable in comparison to my right, and I can discern muscle atrophy at its base. There is a persistent sense of instability in my shoulders and arms, as if my muscles are failing to activate properly. My shoulder blades feel detached and painful, and I lack the natural tension in my upper body muscles, which have left me feeling hollow. Basic actions like shrugging, lifting objects, or even using light weights feel immensely difficult. Movements are marked by tremors, and tasks like putting on a t-shirt or using utensils have become increasingly unmanageable. I struggle to perform simple tasks such as getting dressed, opening doors, or driving due to this escalating weakness. Recently, I noted significant atrophy in my left deltoid, as well as unexpected weakness after a normal walk-up staircase, rendering my left leg flimsy compared to my right. I fear it may be too late to reverse potential damage. How can I communicate the seriousness of my condition to medical professionals when I feel unheard? I'm at a loss regarding which specialists to consult at this stage.

Answers (1)

3/30/2025, 2:50:45 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing significant physical challenges that have been compounded by frustration in seeking help. It’s understandable to feel unheard and overwhelmed by your journey so far. Your symptoms, including pain, weakness, twitching, and noticeable muscle atrophy, clearly indicate that you need comprehensive evaluation and care. Here are some structured suggestions to navigate your situation:

Overview:

• Persistent Symptoms: Your ongoing symptoms, including weakness and muscle atrophy, warrant further investigation.
• Need for Advocacy: It's crucial to effectively communicate your condition to medical professionals to receive the appropriate care.

Understanding Your Situation:

Your experiences with multiple healthcare providers have left you feeling dismissed and without answers. Given the complexity of your symptoms, it's vital to explore specialized care that can adequately address your concerns.

Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and how they affect daily activities. This can help convey the seriousness of your situation.
   • Note any changes over time, particularly in weakness, pain, or any new symptoms.

2. Seek a Neurologist:

   • Despite previous experiences, it may be necessary to find a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. Conditions like myopathy, nerve entrapments, or other neurological issues need a focused approach.
   • Prepare to clearly express your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Bring your symptom log to the appointment.

3. Consider a Rheumatologist or Physiatrist:

   • A rheumatologist can evaluate for autoimmune conditions or connective tissue disorders that might explain your symptoms.
   • A physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) can assess your functional abilities and propose a tailored rehabilitation plan.

4. Request Comprehensive Tests:

   • Ask for specific tests that may help pinpoint the issue, such as an MRI for your neck and shoulders, nerve conduction studies, or an electromyography (EMG) if it's deemed appropriate. These tests can help assess nerve and muscle function.

5. Communicate Openly:

   • When you see a new doctor, openly share how you feel about being unheard in the past. Explain your comprehensive symptom history and the challenges you face daily. This can help establish a collaborative relationship.
   • Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the findings, potential diagnoses, and treatment options. Seeking a second opinion is always an option if you feel uncertain.

6. Consider Support Resources:

   • Look for support groups, either online or in person, for individuals with similar symptoms or challenges. Connecting with others can provide both emotional support and insights into navigating the medical system.

Emotional and Mental Health Considerations:

While you focus on your physical health, it's also essential to acknowledge the emotional toll this journey has taken. Consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help with coping strategies as you navigate your healthcare challenges.

It’s okay to feel frustrated and uncertain, but taking these steps can help you regain control over your health journey. You're advocating for yourself, and that’s a crucial step in receiving the care you deserve.