Loss of Sensation and Temperature in Extremities
I am a 25-year-old woman experiencing a concerning condition regarding my limbs. Despite reaching out to my usual healthcare providers, I have not received any guidance. My primary fear is the potential for paralysis if this issue continues to progress. Currently, I am dealing with intermittent loss of sensation in my extremities, primarily affecting my hands and feet, particularly on the left side. My right side appears unaffected in terms of muscle strength, although I have noticed a decrease in temperature sensation in my right foot and hand, while the rest remains normal. Should I fail to position myself properly—flexing or relaxing what I believe are the muscles around my spine—I begin to lose feeling in my feet, hands, left shin, forearm, and thigh. My left hand twitches, resembling the effects of too much caffeine, my left leg enters a spasm, and becomes numb, followed by a chilling sensation. Without adopting either of the two recommended positions, the symptoms only worsen, yet if I manage to do so for 15 minutes every hour, I can somewhat control the situation. Waiting too long to address the issue leads to more severe symptoms, making it increasingly difficult to regain sensation. If I let this condition persist for two to three days, I experience an overwhelming feeling akin to the flu; my left leg becomes unusable, leading to the risk of falling. At this point, I must remain in the specified position for three to four hours to regain warmth, and then another similar period to restore sensation in my fingers. Currently, I find it increasingly challenging to return to my baseline state; after a full day without the necessary hourly adjustments, my left leg feels perpetually cold and my hand continues to tremble, as though it’s in the process of waking up from a deep sleep. To alleviate these symptoms, I often adopt a modified Cobra yoga pose, lying on my stomach with my legs elevated and creating an arch in my lower back. Alternatively, I position a large ball under my thoracic vertebrae (around T6-T8) while lying back, which offers some relief. Additionally, I have noticed fluctuations in my heart rate; it can spike to 120 beats per minute while at rest, particularly when my condition worsens. However, this rate returns to a normal range of 70-80 bpm when I assume the correct position. The longer the symptoms persist without intervention, the heightened my heart rate becomes. If it’s just my hand and shin involved, the rate is around 100 bpm, escalating to 115 bpm when I start feeling cold, and exceeding 120 bpm when there is a total loss of sensation. My bladder control is also affected, leading to a frequent need to urinate, often every five minutes, until I position myself correctly to regain stability. During these episodes, I experience a lack of sensation in my groin, severely diminishing sexual feelings, and making arousal difficult. Fortunately, after resuming the suggested positions, I usually recover to my normal state without difficulties.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 10:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing these distressing and complex symptoms. It’s understandable to be concerned about the potential for paralysis and the overall impact on your life. While I can offer some guidance based on your description, it's essential to get a thorough evaluation from healthcare professionals who can provide personalized care.
Main Points:
- Symptoms of Intermittent Sensation Loss and Temperature Changes: Your symptoms suggest possible nerve involvement or circulatory issues.
- Need for Immediate Self-Management Strategies: You’ve identified positions that offer some relief, and adjusting these habits can be a beneficial aspect of managing your condition.
- Consider Communication with Healthcare Providers: Although you’ve sought guidance previously, getting a comprehensive evaluation is essential.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—such as the loss of sensation in your limbs, spasms, variability in heart rate, and bladder control issues—may be indicative of conditions affecting the nervous system or vascular supply to your extremities. It’s commendable that you have found some relief through positioning, but persistent and worsening symptoms require thorough diagnosis and follow-up.
Next Steps:
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Adopt Positioning as a Core Strategy: Since you've found relief in specific body positions, continue utilizing techniques like the Cobra pose or thoracic arch position as frequently as necessary. This gives your nervous system and blood flow better conditions for functioning.
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Maintain a Daily Symptom Diary: Track how often your symptoms occur, their duration, and any patterns regarding activities or positions. This will provide vital information for healthcare providers.
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Focus on Stress Management: High heart rates and the sensation of twitches can be exacerbated by stress. Consider techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage your overall stress response.
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Avoid Triggers: Be aware of factors that worsen your condition, such as prolonged inactivity or certain physical activities, and try to adjust your routine accordingly.
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Reach Out to a Neurologist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is critical to follow up with a neurologist or a specialist in nervous system disorders. They may conduct tests such as nerve conduction studies or imaging to identify the cause.
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Discuss Bladder Symptoms: It would be beneficial to bring up your bladder control issues with a urologist or your primary care provider, who can offer supportive treatment options.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensuring you’re well-hydrated and have balanced nutrition can also support nerve health and overall functioning.
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Seek Support Group or Counseling: Finding others with similar experiences can provide emotional support and coping strategies.
Taking these steps can help you manage your symptoms better while you await further professional evaluations. I encourage you to persist in seeking answers and advocacy for your health, as you clearly deserve comprehensive care. Please keep me posted on your progress or if you have other questions.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.