Experiencing Numbness on the Left Side of My Body
I'm a 32-year-old male and I'm attempting to articulate a troubling situation that has left me feeling quite distressed. For several years, I've been coping with discomfort in the region of my left shoulder blade. This pain would diminish temporarily when I released gas, only to return again. Over time, the discomfort began to spread to my left thigh and occasionally to other areas on my left side. I assumed it was linked to digestive issues, potentially from excessive stomach acid, leading me to think that the trapped gas might be irritating some nerves—an issue that should be relatively easy to resolve. When I consulted my physician, she prescribed omeprazole to alleviate my stomach acid problems, which has proven effective; however, the back pain persists and appears to be expanding. We've conducted X-rays, CT scans, and I'm scheduled for an MRI on my left shoulder blade to investigate further, but so far, results have been inconclusive. A recent colonoscopy and endoscopy for an unrelated matter showed no significant findings. My doctor has brought up the possibility of a nerve injury but prefers to explore other avenues before referring me to a neurologist. She also cautioned that there might not be a clear diagnosis at all, which has been disheartening. Recently, I've noticed increasing numbness on the left side of my face, which includes my throat, tongue, and eye socket. The numbness seems to be affecting various parts of my left side. I've engaged in some personal research, and it aligns with my doctor's suggestion about nerve damage; however, I'm uncertain. While I don’t suspect it's a stroke, I’m curious if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms. Could this be indicative of nerve damage? I’m striving to convey my situation clearly, but the chaos of it all is overwhelming, and I'm hesitant to visit the emergency room due to financial constraints. Currently, I'm taking three medications: Adderall, lithium carbonate, and omeprazole. The symptoms I’ve been describing were present before starting any of these treatments.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 1:01:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms, particularly the numbness on the left side of your body alongside persistent pain. This situation can be distressing, especially when you’ve already gone through several medical evaluations without a clear answer. Let's break this down and explore what you can consider next.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms might indicate a nerve issue, especially given the increasing numbness on the left side of your face and body.
- While your recent imaging and tests haven’t provided clear answers, ongoing symptoms warrant continued attention.
Explanation:
The combination of shoulder pain, numbness, and discomfort spreading to other areas might point toward a nerve compression or injury. Nerves can become irritated or damaged due to various reasons, including mechanical issues from the spine, a history of injury, or even systemic conditions. It’s promising that some digestive issues have been addressed with omeprazole, but persistent and escalating symptoms require further exploration.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers you identify (such as posture or activities). This can provide your healthcare provider useful information for diagnosis.
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Practice Good Posture and Ergonomics: Make sure your workplace and resting positions are not putting undue stress on your spine and neck. Using supportive seating and taking regular breaks may help alleviate discomfort.
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Gentle Exercise: If approved by your doctor, consider incorporating gentle stretching or low-impact exercises that strengthen back and neck muscles to improve flexibility and support.
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Follow Up on Neurological Assessment: Since you’ve had increasing symptoms like facial numbness, it’s important to communicate these changes to your physician or consider discussing them with a neurologist if the symptoms worsen. They may suggest further tests like nerve conduction studies.
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Consider a Pain Management Specialist: If your symptoms persist, reaching out to a specialist in pain management might provide additional options for managing your discomfort, especially if it relates to nerve irritation.
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Mindfulness and Stress Management: Engaging in stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation could help manage the emotional toll of dealing with ongoing health issues.
If you notice new symptoms (e.g., changes in vision, severe headaches, dizziness, or weakness) or if your current symptoms dramatically worsen, seeking emergency care would be advisable regardless of financial concerns. Your health is paramount, and many facilities offer financial assistance programs.
Keep a line of communication open with your healthcare team about any evolving symptoms and express your concerns about the financial implications of seeking care. They can help guide you on the best steps to take as you navigate this difficult experience. Remember, you are advocating for your health, and that is crucial.
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