Understanding My Numbness: A Personal Account
I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. I identify as white and have been experiencing numbness for the last year or two, initially starting in my left shin, but it has since progressed to the left side of my face and my left wrist. Although I don't have any known medical conditions that would explain these symptoms, I’m currently taking Zyrtec for allergies, Excedrin for migraines, and Ondansetron to manage nausea. The numbness began in my shin about a year ago, prompting me to consult with specialists. Recently, I’ve noticed that my face, primarily the left side, feels numb, and there’s also some numbness in my left wrist that might be related to a small cyst. After visiting a dermatologist, I learned that he can perform surgery to remove it. I'm doing everything I can to ensure my concerns are taken seriously. My eye doctor has advised me to see a neurologist due to some suspicious findings related to my nerves; however, the appointments are booked for the foreseeable future, which has led to an increase in my anxiety. Notably, she remarked that my right pupil is larger than the other, adding to my worries about what this might mean. I can't help but wonder if my feelings of numbness are a manifestation of stress, especially given my distress about my recent eye examination and the long wait for answers. The uncertainty is quite frightening, and I find urgent care facilities unhelpful in addressing my concerns. Additionally, for the past three days, I’ve felt a tightening sensation in my chest, but after taking some ibuprofen, that discomfort has eased. Despite feeling some relief in that area, the growing numbness on my left side continues to alarm me. As a non-smoker who’s been exposed to secondhand smoke throughout my life, I worry about the implications of my symptoms. I hope to find clarity about my health soon, as I’m feeling increasingly anxious.
Answers (1)
8/31/2025, 9:22:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging and concerning time with multiple symptoms that have understandably increased your anxiety. The numbness you've described, especially as it has progressed over time to different areas of your body, certainly warrants careful monitoring and further investigation.
Understanding the Symptoms
Numbness can be caused by various factors, including nerve compression, neurological conditions, and even stress-related issues. Since your left side is predominantly affected, it’s wise to consider neurological causes, particularly since you've been advised to see a neurologist. The dilation of one pupil can suggest nerve-related issues that require follow-up.
Addressing Your Immediate Concerns
-
Chest Tightness Monitoring: Although the discomfort in your chest has reduced with ibuprofen, it’s essential to keep an eye on it. If you experience any return of severe or persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
-
Continue Tracking Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms. Note when the numbness occurs, any accompanying feelings (like anxiety), and any triggers you might notice. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare providers when you get to see them.
-
Manage Anxiety and Stress: High stress can indeed exacerbate physical symptoms. Engage in stress-relieving activities such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices. If possible, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist to help cope with anxiety regarding your health.
-
Time Until Neurologist Visit: While waiting for your neurologist appointment, if you feel comfortable, write a list of all your symptoms, concerns, and questions to bring with you. This preparation can help you make the most of the appointment when it comes.
-
Cyst Consideration: With the small cyst on your wrist, follow up with your dermatologist if the numbness worsens. Removal may relieve any nerve compression if that is contributing to your symptoms.
Next Steps
- Keep monitoring your symptoms and how they evolve. Document any new changes, especially related to your chest tightness or facial numbness.
- Focus on stress management strategies to help cope with the anxiety of waiting for answers.
- Reach out to support networks, whether friends or family, to discuss your feelings and concerns. Sometimes sharing can lighten the emotional load.
- If symptoms escalate or become severe, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention as your health should always be prioritized over wait times.
Let me know if there’s anything more specific you would like information on, or if there are particular aspects of your symptoms you want to discuss further.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?