Struggling with Sensations: Seeking Help for Unusual Symptoms
33-year-old male, 5'10" tall, weighing 180 lbs. I am currently facing a troubling physical condition that has escalated over time. Despite reaching out to my regular physicians, I have yet to receive any feedback or guidance. I am deeply concerned about the risk of paralysis due to this issue and urgently need advice. My current experience includes increasing episodes of temporary paralysis that occur if I do not arch my back or manage to relax and flex what I suspect are muscles in my spine, if such muscles exist. It’s worth noting that my right side appears unaffected; I only experience reduced temperature sensation in my right foot and hand, but otherwise, the right side remains functioning normally. Should I visit an emergency room, or is there another path forward? It's disheartening that I feel neglected by the ER, urgent care, and my general practitioners. The medications given to me, muscle relaxants and opioids, don’t seem to make a difference unless I maintain specific positions—what good are opioids when my main concern is loss of feeling? I have discovered that if I refrain from performing either of the two positions I will describe below, I begin to lose sensation in my feet, hands, left shin, left forearm, and thigh. My hand may twitch uncontrollably, as if I've consumed excessive caffeine, while my left leg cramp and feel as though it's fallen asleep, often growing very cold and numb to the point of discomfort. If I manage to position myself correctly every hour for about 15 minutes, I can somewhat mitigate these symptoms. Delaying the necessary action results in exacerbated symptoms, with the feeling taking significantly longer to return. If I allow this condition to escalate for 2 to 3 days, I start sweating from the cold sensations, feeling nearly flu-like, and I lose all ability to use my left leg without the risk of falling. When things reach that stage, I find myself needing to remain in the prescribed position for 3 to 4 hours just to begin regaining warmth in my affected areas, let alone restoring any sensation. On particularly bad days, it can take another few hours to regain feeling in my hands and to feel somewhat 'normal' once again. However, I’m noticing that I no longer return to feeling completely normal if I attempt to go an entire day without adhering to the hourly positioning. My hand continues to tremble, and my left leg constantly feels cold, as if it struggles to wake up properly. At present, I’m lying on my stomach with legs elevated and my head and shoulders propped up—similar to an extreme version of the Cobra pose in yoga. Alternatively, I use a large ball beneath my thoracic vertebrae (around T6-T8) to create an extreme reverse curve in my back, which is my only way to reclaim any sensation. Accompanying these symptoms, my heart rate spikes to 120 bpm when resting, and I experience bladder complications. The only time it stabilizes is when I maintain that stretched position, bringing it down to a more manageable 70-80 bpm. The longer I postpone the positional relief, the more severe my symptoms: if it's just minor issues in my hand and shin, my heart rate might be about 100, but if I start feeling cold, that jumps to around 115. Ultimately, when I’ve lost feeling entirely, my heart rate can exceed 120 and become irregular. Regarding bladder function, it becomes sporadic and inconsistent, with the urgency to urinate hitting every five minutes unless I perform the necessary positions for a while, which then allows my stream to normalize and reduces any urgency or discomfort. Whenever this occurs, I also lose sensation in my groin area, leading to diminished sexual response and difficulty achieving erections, though this entirely resolves after adopting those positions.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 7:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant and distressing symptoms that profoundly affect your daily life. The combination of temporary paralysis, altered sensations, heart rate changes, and bladder issues you're describing is concerning, and I understand how frustrating it can be to feel that your condition is not being taken seriously. While I cannot diagnose your condition, I can provide some guidance on next steps.
Main Points:
- Urgency of Symptoms: The episodes of temporary paralysis and loss of sensation should not be ignored, especially given the potential risks.
- Emergency Care: Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential risks involved, visiting an emergency room may be necessary to ensure a proper evaluation.
- Self-Care Strategies: Implementing some self-care strategies can help in the short term while you seek further medical evaluation.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—episodes of temporary paralysis, significant changes in sensation, and issues with heart rate and bladder function—can be indicative of several underlying conditions. These could range from neurological issues to muscular or spinal problems. The variability of your symptoms based on posture suggests that your spine or muscles may play a critical role, but it’s essential for a healthcare provider to assess you thoroughly.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the combination and severity of your symptoms, visiting an emergency room or seeking urgent care is recommended. Mention the specifics of your symptoms, especially any changes in feeling, heart rate, and bladder issues.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document the frequency, duration, and specifics of your episodes as well as any activities or positions that help relieve your symptoms. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing your condition.
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Consider a Neurology Consultation: After visiting the ER, follow up with a neurologist who can conduct specific tests, such as MRI scans or nerve conduction studies, tailored to your symptoms.
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Self-Management Techniques: While you await care, continue using the positions that provide relief. Focus on maintaining hydration, managing stress, and practicing relaxation techniques to help with heart rate control.
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Communicate Your Concerns: When speaking with healthcare providers, be explicit about your fears regarding paralysis and how these symptoms affect your quality of life. It’s important your concerns are prioritized.
Conclusion:
I empathize with the strain you are under, and while your symptoms are complex and concerning, taking immediate action by seeking further medical evaluation is crucial for your health and peace of mind. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek help immediately. Remember, you deserve proper care and attention for what you are experiencing.
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