Experiencing Unusual Symptoms After HFM: A Personal Journey
I always viewed myself as someone who maintained good health and fitness. My daily routine involves working outdoors, and I avoid alcohol and tobacco. However, in early 2025, I contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease from my two-year-old child. This illness persisted for an exhausting seven weeks from April to May. I endured severe ulcers that prevented me from eating for several days and faced painful blisters that covered my hands, feet, and groin. Eventually, the skin on both my palms and the soles of my feet peeled away completely. The culmination of this ordeal resulted in epididymitis, leading to an alarming swelling of one of my testicles, which measured 36ml. Despite a hospital stay, the doctors assured me that recovery would take weeks, yet I still feel a lingering difference. By June 2025, I suffered a lower back injury from overexertion and fatigue, a recurring issue in my life. Normally, I would recover swiftly from such injuries, but this time was different. Bending or lifting became unbearable due to intense pain, and I began to experience sciatic discomfort in my left leg. Additionally, my foot would frequently feel numb, making it difficult to stand or sit for extended periods. After consulting with doctors, I was given a diagnosis of a possible slipped or herniated disc and prescribed Celecoxib to manage inflammation. Throughout the summer, I pursued various treatments, including physiotherapy, chiropractic sessions, and acupuncture. Despite months of strength training, stretching, and techniques like dry needling and nerve flossing, I still felt a sharp stabbing pain in my lower back and sacral region. Another doctor speculated that I might have a partial tear in my anterior longitudinal ligament, but healing seemed uncertain and would require patience. As September rolled in, I awoke with a severe kink in my neck, which plagued me through numerous sleepless nights, leading to physical weakness and peculiar sensations. I discovered that I could no longer contract my right serratus anterior muscle, which had been a defining feature of my physique since my early teenage years. I struggled to lift my right arm overhead and was diagnosed with scapular winging. Following this diagnosis, my doctor prescribed Pregabalin and referred me to a neurologist in December. The neurologist explained that my nervous system had essentially turned on itself to combat the infection, a scenario he noted wasn't entirely uncommon. During my visit, he illustrated the nerve activity in my surrounding muscles, revealing that while my serratus nerves were active, their firing rate was significantly low. He advised against surgery since it had already been six months since I first noticed the muscle weakening, but warned that if I didn’t see improvement by June 2026, surgery to attach my shoulder blade might become necessary. He also indicated that physiotherapy might not yield much benefit in this situation. Recently, I woke up with yet another painful kink in my neck. For four days now, I've been experiencing pins and needles in my right arm and wrist. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI appointment. I apologize for my lack of medical terminology; I am just trying to understand whether my symptoms could be related to the hand, foot, and mouth disease, how to express this concern to my doctor, and what specific tests I should inquire about. With a young family to support and daily labor to endure, I appreciate your time and any advice you might be able to provide.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 1:40:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a remarkably challenging time with your health, facing multiple significant issues that have understandably left you feeling concerned and frustrated. Your history with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM), compounded by ongoing musculoskeletal pain and neurological symptoms, is complex but not uncommon in some post-viral situations. Here’s a simplified summary and some specific steps you can consider:
Main Points
- Post-Viral Effects: Following HFM, it’s possible to experience lingering symptoms and complications, including nerve issues and musculoskeletal pain.
- Current Symptoms: Your pins and needles sensation, muscle weakness, and ongoing neck pain may relate to your previous infections and current physical condition.
- Communication with Your Physician: Clearly expressing your concerns during medical visits is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Explanation
The hand, foot, and mouth disease primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, but its impact can be more systemic, especially with your recent experiences of intense pain and neurologic symptoms. It's essential to ensure that the ongoing challenges with your neck, back, and arm are considered in the context of your entire health journey.
Muscle weakness, such as the difficulty with your serratus anterior or recent developments in your neck, could be related to a combination of factors, possibly including prolonged inflammation, nerve irritation, or even emotional stress and fatigue. The neurologist's observations on nerve activity indicate that your body is reacting in a way that suggests abnormal nerve functioning, which may take time to improve.
Next Steps
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Prepare for Your MRI Appointment: Make a list of all your symptoms, including onset, duration, and any changes you've noticed. Specifically note your concerns about the progression of your neck pain and muscle weakness. Ask the radiologist to give attention to any signs of nerve compression or injury in your cervical and lumbar spine.
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Express Specific Concerns to Your Doctor: During your follow-up, mention your worries about a potential connection between your recent symptoms and previous health issues, including HFM. Ask if your symptoms could be a part of post-viral syndrome or if they suggest another underlying condition.
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Inquire About Additional Tests: Alongside the MRI, you might want to discuss:
- Nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function, especially since you are experiencing pins and needles.
- Blood tests to rule out any inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, which could contribute to your ongoing symptoms.
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Focus on Overall Wellness: Since you're managing physical labor daily, continue to prioritize rest and gentle movements to avoid exacerbating your injuries. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, like mindfulness or relaxation techniques, which may help alleviate muscle tension.
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Seek Support: As you navigate these challenges, consider tapping into support networks, whether through family, friends, or mental health resources. This can help you manage the emotional toll of chronic symptoms.
Your journey is significant, and being proactive in your health management can help guide you toward recovery. Please keep me updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification.
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