Experiencing Numbness in My Skin: Seeking Insight and Guidance
On a recent Sunday, I received a call from an unfamiliar number, which I chose not to answer. Later, I listened to a voicemail from my physician, who informed me that my blood sugar levels were slightly below normal and that a liver enzyme result was elevated. His recommendation was to limit myself to one alcoholic beverage per day and to follow up with him next year. While I was processing this message, I found myself inadvertently digging my nails into my skin and pinching various areas as hard as possible, only to discover that I could not feel anything. The marks from my nails are still visible, yet I hardly drink alcohol. I plan to reach out tomorrow to express my ongoing concerns, but admittedly, my trust in his judgment has waned. I’m left wondering what directions I should pursue moving forward. My primary concern is understanding the numbness in my skin. The affected areas appear to be my arms, abdomen, and legs, as it’s only when I touch these regions that I realize I’m experiencing a lack of sensation. The idea of verifying this through self-inflicted pain is unappealing; I certainly don't want to resort to probing my body for answers. For context, I’m a 37-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds. My daily regimen includes 150 mg of Effexor and 5 mg of Abilify, although the numbness began prior to starting any medications. If anyone has advice or insights regarding this condition, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 2:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant concern and distress regarding the numbness you're feeling in your skin, alongside your recent health notifications from your physician about your blood sugar and liver enzyme levels. Understanding your body's changes is important, and I'm here to help guide you through this.
Main Points:
- Numbness in the skin can arise from several causes, including nerve issues or reactions to medication.
- It's crucial to monitor your symptoms and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.
Explanation:
Numbness, or loss of sensation in specific areas of the body, can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Nerve Compression or Damage: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve entrapments can lead to numbness.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Fluctuations or prolonged issues with blood sugar management, even if not currently diabetic, can impact sensation.
- Medication Side Effects: While you mentioned the numbness began before taking Effexor and Abilify, it's still worth considering how changes in your mental health medications might influence your neurological responses.
Given your history and recent lab results, it’s wise to keep a close eye on how your symptoms develop.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed record of when the numbness occurs, how long it lasts, and any accompanying symptoms (like tingling, weakness, or pain). Note any triggers or changes in routine.
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Limit Alcohol Intake: As recommended by your doctor, follow the guideline to limit alcohol to one drink per day, as this can also affect blood sugar and liver health.
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Investigate Further: While you plan to speak to your physician, consider advocating for additional tests. Mention your numbness specifically and ask if it warrants a nerve conduction study or MRI to better understand the underlying cause.
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Own Health Advocacy: Since trust in your physician has waned, don’t hesitate to explore second opinions from other healthcare providers or specialists if your concerns are not adequately addressed.
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Emotional Support: Given that you are on medications for mental health, keeping a support system in place and potentially speaking with a counselor or therapist could help manage feelings of anxiety surrounding your physical sensations.
Remember, your health concerns are valid, and it's important to pursue a clear understanding and amicable relationship with your healthcare team. You're take proactive steps in monitoring your symptoms and ensuring follow-up, which is commendable. Keep me posted on your progress or if you have further questions.
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