Struggling with life

How long ago was your accident? Did you sustain injuries at that time? Have the doctors diagnosed you or done any tests? It’s good to follow up and see if they can determine what might be causing your symptoms.

I have seen neurologists and some other doctors about my symptoms. Sometimes, determining a cause is possible, but other times more difficult. I know it can be scary and stressful to experience such sensations. I’m still not completely sure of why I had mine, but am glad that it has improved greatly. In the beginning I was under the impression it was permanent, but in my case, I am better. So, I’d keep an open mind and anticipate there may be help. Good luck with everything.

Hello @ibz91, It has to be a scary feeling not knowing what's happening and trying to deal with it. What you are describing sounds a lot like thoracic outlet syndrome - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988.

@jenniferhunter mentioned her experience on TOS in another discussion and may have some thoughts or suggestions. Here's a link to her comment on TOS - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/628627/.

When are you having the MRI on your neck?

When is your MRI scheduled for? Are you having neck pain as well?

They should have ordered MRIs long ago I would think.

I've had at least 2 dozen MRI's in the past 15 years, of my spine from my head to my tail bone, both knees, and my right elbow(that was fun). Just be aware that if they're going to scan your neck specifically, they're going to put your head in a special "cage" to make sure you hold still. If you don't like enclosed spaces, or are claustrophobic, it won't be much fun.

@ibz91
I’m sorry to hear of your accident causing many symptoms and suffering. It is scary when you are young and responsible for a young family.

I am a single parent of a teen son with many spine issues and experienced with having many MRIs, tests and surgeries. What type of accident did you have and what did you injure? Did you have any testing at the time of your injury? How long have you had symptoms and how long ago was your accident?

It definitely sounds like you may need MRIs of your cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrum to see what level(s) may have pinched nerves, disc bulges/herniations, spinal stenosis with compression of your spinal cord, etc. It may also be good to go to a neurologist to have EMG/nerve conduction studies of your upper/lower limbs to determine if you have any peripheral nerve impact/radiculopathy from spinal nerves.

Keep in mind that any injury to your neck can affect your body below the level of injury down to your feet. I have cervical myelopathy caused by herniated disc in my neck which is pressing on my spinal cord and affecting my hips/legs and walking.

I wish you the best getting answers and advocating for yourself to get the right diagnosis and treatment options to relieve your symptoms and anxiety.

These types of symptoms are frightening. When I first started with neuropathy symptoms I had severe anxiety and couldn’t function in the work environment. While you pursue your imaging etc with a doctor, you need to try to determine if your inability to work is do to physical toll of the symptoms or if the fear your experiencing is preventing you from comfortably returning to work. The mind is a tricky beast sometimes making the above difficult to decipher. I would encourage you to take hard look at it if you have not already…I found the longer I was off the harder it was to return. Best wishes in getting some answers .
Steve

What medications are you taking. Pregabalin and gabapentin can cause different body sensations of different kinds of things.

I’m sorry you’re struggling empathize with your plight. If I were you, I would try and get into see a therapist while you are waiting and bug your doctors informing them how much you’re struggling and trying to cope with life. I have to annoy my doctor sometimes. Make sure you advocate for yourself which I’m sure is hard with two small kids. I always stay on top of my MRIs and I read them myself and then make follow up appointments with the proper specialist. From what you wrote, I think you would benefit from an acupuncturist. It will help you relax and feel better. Also an MFR therapist. Those are two things which may be covered under some insurance, but if you can afford to do them out of your pocket so you can reduce the anxiety and feel better immediately. At different times in my life, I have gotten them covered under a variety of insurances and if not, I pay for them out of my pocket. It ties me over until such time as the specialist figure out where to focus. Also, if you live in a community where there is a church or a synagogue, even if you aren’t of their denomination, go to their auxiliary groups and see if you can find some support with your caregiving for yourself and your children to get some rest and relax God bless you and good luck!

What kind of body sensations does Pregabalin cause?