Numb leg for two weeks. Petrified - PLEASE help!!

[stoppingbywoods]

This may seem like an over-reaction but we have lost two women (suddenly and prematurely) in my immediate family in the last eight months. Irrational as it is, I'm scared of being next and this numb leg is pushing all my buttons. (The family members died of unrelated health conditions and were not blood relatives BTW).

My leg is numb from the knee down, all over with the exception of part of the knee cap and a line down the middle at the back. Physical exam was normal and blood tests have all been normal so far. (Don't know what they are but there were plenty). I've been suffering from headaches, IBS symptoms, fatigue. A small rash on the buttock on the other side of my body from the rash. No back pain and haven't been doing anything differently.

GP has drawn a blank so is referring to a neurologist.

Please tell me there are other things it could be besides MS. I'm so scared.

Op, I can completely relate to how you are feeling.

I am under a neurologist due to numbness and pain in my foot. First diagnosed as tarsal tunnel syndrome, and the orthopaedic consultant referred me to a neurologist for a second opinion.

I've had 3 MRI scans, steroid injections and nerve conduction tests. And still non the wiser apart from a cyst found in my spinal cord. This has been going on for the last 2 years.

I've just had further MRI scans on my spine today, as the cyst is an indicator of a couple of other things.

You've done all that you can with your GP and they were right to refer you.

I suffer with health anxiety too, it really is an emotional strain, but isn't this normal? Especially since you've lost 2 family members.

Please try and re gather your thoughts, and don't let it run away with you.

It's a horrible waiting game, but life is for living. Try and do something small each day that makes you happy. And keep your chin up.

Sending you love and strength and I'm sorry for your recent losses.

So I have zero medical knowledge and can totally understand how scary this might be, so, hugs.

Random suggestion though, might be worth asking your doctor about Lyme Disease.

Is it totally numb or do you have a tingling pins and needles kind of sensation?

I have sciatica, and my lower leg top, of foot and toes are numb.

I'm not sure if that could be a possibility without horrendous pain though.

I hope you get it sorted

Did they check your vitamin B12? If so, what was the level?

From the other side, my leg went numb five years ago and I was eventually diagnosed with MS. At the time it was so scary, but a few months later on the numbness faded and I don't really have anything wrong with me now aside from getting a bit tired and heavy legs if I walk too far- life is normal. I appreciate MS can get very serious, but if you are a young female with only sensory symptoms the prognosis doesn't have to be as dreadful as you think, there are some great drugs out there and loads of lifestyle things you can do to help. I know you're hoping it's not MS, but I just wanted to offer a bit of support to maybe reduce your stress a wee bit xxx

Many thanks for such kind responses.

TellMe I will remember your advice and try to regroup. Sending you healing thoughts.

Electroulux Rash actually looks like very minor shingles rash - but it's in the wrong place.

Cranky Sorry you have horrendous pain. I'll bear that in mind.

pleasemrs Apparently B12 was fine though I don't know the level.

cuffs Lyme Disease doesn't seem to fit but I'll keep checking back to that, thanks.

nancy It's numb beneath the knee (on the skin) with a knotted feeling on the inside calf. The outside of the knee cap is a little sore and there are occasional tingles above the knee.

Thanks Elect, I've replied.

I've been suffering with similar symptoms and looked into it as I've been referred to a neurologist but heard bugger all and I was sick of feeling so shit.
Look up magnesium deficiency. The symptoms you mentioned does look like that . I started taking magnesium and I feel completely normal now. Still awaiting MRI scans to just be on the safe side but I truly believe that I was magnesium deficient and that's what was causing me my problems.

Did the GP check your vitamin D level? I had leg and foot numbness, tiredness and strange rashes and was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency.

29paddington Yes he did - no worries there.

Pixie I will certainly look up magnesium defiency, thanks for the tip.

Have you had an MRI scan?

I came onto the thread because I have suffered the medical emergency that is Caudia Equina Syndrome. A red flag for this is numbness in the legs. It is a serious condition I was not aware of when my legs first started going numb. Should you find you become constipated or anything different happens with regards to urinating, go to A&E immediately.

An MRI scan would be able to rule in or out nerve damage like CES.

I know this is different but I have a numb arm and I have a trapped nerve in my spine and in my elbow. Your nerves could be trapped somewhere in your leg or perhaps in spine. It might not be anything sinister so please try not to worry. The neurologist is the right person to speak to anyway

stoppingbywoods I understand the fear of MS, i was diagnosed with transverse myelitus earlier in the year (lesions on the spinal chord) quite a few of your symptoms are the same (minus the rash)

You need and MRI of the head, neck & spine, I would really push your doctor to get you referred for this asap - I wouldn't imagine there is much point seeing the neurologist until you have had the scan?

Thanks all.

The earliest appointment we could make to see a neurologist privately is 1st of November which feels like a long time off. Won't be able to get a referral for an MRI (on the NHS) until then. Head, neck and spine would cost about £900 if done privately...we just can't afford it.

I'm trying to regroup and remember this could be nothing. However transverse myelitus etc are difficult to avoid thinking about. I'll look out for problems urinating etc. I do feel like it's spreading down my left foot and affecting the third and fourth toes but to be honest I'm so anxious that I don't trust myself. The family member who died most recently had symptoms very similar to this at the beginning, so thinking clearly is difficult. But I'm trying.

Sometimes the neurologists arrange the scan themselves but I think it varies from area to area

stoppingbywoods if it helps I was totally shocked and upset by the diagnosis but actually I am now pretty much fine. I have the odd day where I feel a bit tired or my legs feel a bit funny but that's it.

I honestly think not knowing is the worst bit - once you find out what it is you can find a way to deal with it (fingers crossed its just something simple that will go away anyway)

Re the scan I had referral and scan done on the NHS within a week (they sent me to a private hospital to have it done but the NHS paid) If your doctor thinks it's urgent enough they can get it done

I know it's impossible not to panic but please try - i got myself in to such a state and it's the worse thing for you. The other thing i would say (and I know it's hard) is stop googling - honestly I diagnosed myself with everything and and I think I probably invented new illnesses I might have too!

There are so many things it could be other than a CNS illness like MS.

It could be a physical manifestation of the emotional shocks you've had in the last year.

With CFS and Fibromyalgia you get all kinds of weird neurological stuff, which although debilitating, are not degenerative like MS.

Have you been to a chiropractor/osteopath to check it's not a structural issue?

I can't tell you how much it helps to receive some reassuring advice, especially nancy. I can actually feel my heartbeat slowing down (for five minutes until I start thinking again but still working on this!). I will stop googling as it is clearly not helping.

Seeing a physiotherapist tomorrow to rule out anything that can be ruled out. I just want to wake up tomorrow and find it has magically disappeared.

Good luck tomorrow - hopefully it's a trapped something that can be put back in place with a massage

Thanks nancy, that would be a huge relief.

Physios are useless, I would go and see a proper osteopath/chiro.

I know what you mean but this one is pretty good. I live in an out of the way place where osteopaths are thin on the ground.