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Health u turn, blood tests and worries!

5 replies

SparkleBuns · 12/11/2018 13:42

Around 2 weeks ago my right hand side went completely numb, but if I pinched my skin it felt firey deeper down like the nerves. After it hadn't disappeared on its own I went to the doctors Friday past. I expected him to say it was a pinched nerve or something but after doing a few checks he suspects multiple sclerosis. I'm being referred to a neurologist to test this.

Since then my left arm and hand has gone weak. I get dizzy if I move about too much and I generally feel lethargic. I felt great and full of energy 2 weeks ago, working part time and being active and caring for my toddler but now I feel like a useless wreck.

I'm due a blood test tomorrow, I'm needle phobic but also never had a blood test run smoothly, my veins never seem to give enough so I end up getting needles in numerous places. Any tips on easing this from people similar would be great.

My biggest worry though is that I'm a single mum to my little 17 month old. I have supportive parents and family who are great with her but they are getting older and have their own issues. Her dad sees her but both him and I wouldn't feel comfortable with him taking her on his own more, he suffers greatly with depression and acknowledges he wouldn't be fit to do so.

Feel a little better already getting it off my chest. I'm trying to keep strong for little one and my family. But anyone with similar experiences, stories or tips on any of it would be great to hear x

OP posts:
Badwifey · 12/11/2018 13:46

Aw Sparkles, you poor thing. You must be so worried. I'm glad to hear that you have a supportive family though. Have you any good friends who could help you out from time to time?

As for the blood test make sure you are really warm (layers layers layers) just before the test and your veins will be easier to find and just look away. It really is only a tiny pinch or scrape but I think looking at the blood tends to make people feel faint.

Oldmum55 · 12/11/2018 14:02

Sparklebuns here I am again hoping to reassure you a little. I've answered other similar threads on here as I know how tormenting health anxieties are also when you go to the GP for reassurance and instead you end up even more worried. I've recently been in that predicament. Just go for your blood test, (try and have plenty of fluids beforehand) that should help too and go from there. Flowers

Violetroselily · 12/11/2018 21:36

I've always been told to drink lots and do some exercise before a blood test (e.g. can you ask there instead of drive?)

Fingers crossed its nothing serious

lyrebird1 · 12/11/2018 22:41

Hi, sorry to hear you are so worried. I had a similar experience, and I found out that I do have a neurological condition. I found the testing and waiting probably more difficult to deal with than the diagnosis!

Regarding blood tests, there is great variability in skill levels, but I agree with drinking lots. Side of my elbow (fleshy bit) always goes well though. I would also mention that you are nervous. You could also ask for EMLA cream (local anaesthetic). They might agree!

The Brain and Spine foundation has some very useful information about conditions, tests, symptoms etc and you can speak to a helpline about anything, including emotional support. Feel free to ask questions if you have any. Good luck x

SparkleBuns · 13/11/2018 05:41

Thank you for your tips and kind words Smile I've got some emla cream going to put that on too but it's been mixed results when I used it in the past! I'll drink loads keep warm and walk there great tips thank you.

I do have good friends but they have families of their own and I'm not the best at asking for help! I will if it comes to it though for little ones sake.

Sorry to hear you were in a similar predicament Oldmum55 I hope you're doing OK x

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